Mpasi offered his body to science but it was not enough

Historic comeback in Seattle

Belgium erased a two-goal deficit and sealed its place in the round of 16 with a penalty in the 125th minute. It was the latest score in World Cup history.

Senegal led 2-0 until the 85th minute of regulation time. Goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans forced extra time. Tielemans then converted a penalty in the 125th minute to give his team the victory.

“Being part of this comeback is a proud moment because I scored the last two goals to give the team the victory today,” said Tielemans.

The penalty came after a video-reviewed foul in the final seconds. Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, avoided controversy.

“I don’t want to interpret the decision. We all have different interpretations when it comes to scoring a penalty,” Thiaw said.

Belgium is the second team in the last 11 World Cups to come back from two goals in the knockout phase. The other was also Belgium, against Japan in 2018.

Cruel outcome for Senegal

Senegal dominated much of the match. Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the first half and Ismaïla Sarr expanded at the beginning of the second half with a great goal. Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made three key saves.

Senegalese defender Krépin Diatta regretted the outcome.

“It shouldn’t have happened. You have to defend the area. We suffer, but we have to continue. It’s a shame,” he said.

Lukaku praised his team’s reaction.

“This Senegal is one of the best teams in the tournament. Technically, physically and tactically, it was really tough. But when we raised the intensity, our team spirit shone,” he said.

Belgium advances to the second round for the third time in four World Cups. They will face the United States on Monday in Seattle. Senegal, for its part, says goodbye after a solid performance.

Belgian coach Rudi Garcia recognized the rival’s merit.

“Senegal deserved to win. They are the best African nation. They showed even against France. I would have preferred not to play against them,” he concluded.

Impact on the Seleção

Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paquetá limped off the field at half-time in Brazil’s final match. A thigh injury will sideline him for the round of 16 match against Norway.

Paquetá was substituted early in the second half in the 2-1 victory over Japan on Monday. His absence represents a blow to the team, which will face Norway on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The player has been a key player in the Seleção midfield. His loss forces the coaching staff to look for alternatives. The team’s adaptation to a difficult opponent will be the main challenge.

Brazil will have to adjust its strategy without one of its most outstanding players at a critical moment in the tournament. Every decision now counts.

Wimbledon, United Kingdom — Serena Williams experienced discomfort in her right knee during her first singles match in almost four years, although her agent confirmed Wednesday that the tennis player still hopes to participate in doubles with her sister Venus.

The 44-year-old American did not seek medical attention in Tuesday’s loss to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 in the first round. Williams, owner of 23 Grand Slam singles titles – seven of them at Wimbledon – did not speak to the media after the match.

Physical condition and next steps

Despite the discomfort, the tennis legend remains optimistic about his participation in the doubles tournament. His knee will be evaluated in the coming days to determine if he will be able to compete alongside Venus. The tennis community has shown support for his return, and his performance continues to be closely followed by fans and experts.

Serena, who had not played singles in a Grand Slam since 2022, left signs of her quality in the second set, but the lack of rhythm and physical wear and tear weighed against an opponent 24 years younger. Now, attention is focused on his possible pairing with Venus, with whom he has won 14 Grand Slam titles in doubles.