What did you miss last night? And what’s on the schedule for today? Our daily concise overview—this time featuring a Belgian comeback and a U.S. striker in the spotlight.
Belgium turns it on and the match
Until the 86th minute, Senegal had one foot in the Round of 16—but then Lukaku, who had been virtually invisible up to that point, struck after a pass from Meunier. Tielemans dealt the Lions of Teranga the final blow shortly afterward with his header to make it 2–2. Earlier, Senegal had taken the lead through Diarra’s tap-in and Ismaila Sarr’s fourth goal of the tournament. Things got even more bitter for the West Africans in extra time, as the VAR intervened following a foul by Camara on Tielemans—resulting in a penalty kick. The fouled player confidently converted it in the fifth minute of extra time.
Balogun in the spotlight, Tillman makes the call
Bosnia and Herzegovina had also hoped for a comeback against the U.S. When Balogun was shown a red card in the 64th minute following a VAR review for a foul, the Dragons regained hope of a turnaround. At that point, Sergej Barbarez’s team was trailing 0–1 because the player who received the red card had put the hosts ahead shortly before halftime. Earlier, a goal by the 24-year-old forward had been disallowed for offside, and he also hit the crossbar in stoppage time of the first half—before he accidentally but severely struck Muharemovic on the ankle and was sent off. His ten remaining teammates, however, didn’t let the lead slip away; Tillman even added to the lead with a direct free kick, securing a spot in the Round of 16. There, the U.S. will face Belgium next Tuesday (2 a.m. CEST). For Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dzeko also had to be substituted due to injury.
What to Expect from World Cup Day
Ten teams have already advanced to the Round of 16; Spain and Austria will make their next attempt on Thursday (9 p.m. CEST). Late tonight (1 a.m. CEST), the match between Portugal and Croatia will feature a reunion of veteran stars and former Real Madrid teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Modric. In the morning (5 a.m. CEST), Switzerland will face Algeria in Vancouver.
