The goals, minute by minute
- 24'Habib DiarraGoal · 0-1
- 51'Ismaïla SarrGoal · 0-2
- 86'Romelu LukakuGoal · 1-2
- 89'Youri TielemansGoal · 2-2
- 120'+5'Youri TielemansPenalty · 3-2
The preview
Written before the match. We've left it as it was, even where the game said otherwise.
Context
Belgium (1st Group G) vs Senegal (best third, Group I) · knockout
Level of the teams
Belgium: a generation led by Kevin De Bruyne, pedigree and squad depth; won its group.
Senegal: African champion, physical and balanced (Koulibaly, Sané, Mané). An
awkward, dangerous opponent.
Key factors
- Belgium superior in talent, game management and depth.
- Senegal is physical and can unsettle with its intensity.
- A favorite-vs-tough-opponent tie: could become a long evening.
Prediction
Result in 90': 2-1 Belgium (alternative: 1-1)
- Belgium win: ~48%
- Draw: ~27%
- Senegal win: ~25%
Advances: Belgium (~58%)
Player to watch: Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium's creative beacon.
Final verdict, Confidence: medium
Belgium is the favorite on pedigree and depth, but Senegal is one of the
toughest opponents. A Belgian progression is most likely, though narrow.