By Kwame Bediako
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw called the Round of 32 exit “painful” after his side let a two-goal lead slip in a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium.
Senegal had led through Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr, but Belgium fought back late before sealing the comeback with a stoppage-time penalty.
Thiaw praised his players’ effort but said they failed to protect their advantage, while Romelu Lukaku highlighted Belgium’s character and the quality of Senegal’s performance.
Habib Diarra also admitted Senegal were left to blame themselves after failing to finish the job.
Belgium’s win sends them into the Round of 16 against the United States, while Senegal’s tournament ends in frustration.
