Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans breaks World Cup record in epic Belgium comeback

Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans made World Cup history as he helped Belgium complete an extraordinary comeback against Senegal.

Belgium were trailing 2-0 with only minutes of normal time remaining, and Senegal appeared to be cruising into the last 16.

However, Romelu Lukaku’s 86th-minute goal sparked Belgium’s fightback before captain Tielemans headed home a dramatic equaliser three minutes later to force extra time.

The Villa midfielder then stepped up to deliver the decisive moment.

A controversial penalty was awarded after a video assistant referee (VAR) review deemed Lamine Camara had fouled Tielemans in the area.

Tielemans converted from the spot with the game clock showing 124:44, scoring the latest goal in World Cup history and completing one of the tournament’s most remarkable comebacks.

It was also the latest any team has trailed by two or more goals in normal time and gone on to avoid defeat at a World Cup.

The result condemned Senegal to further disappointment after they were stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title earlier this year.

“I’m proud of what we achieved and I’m happy to have helped the team out,” Tielemans said post-match.

“All we wanted was to win, to play well and to represent our country as best we could. Now we need to go away and analyse why things didn’t go well for much of the match, starting with the two goals we conceded."

Reflecting on his two goals in Seattle, which secured Belgium's place in the last 16, Tielemans added: “For the first, I just tried to get my head to the ball by making a run into the penalty area. It all came together perfectly. I gave everything I had to score that goal.

“Obviously, we’ve been practising penalties, which is so important in a tournament. In the moment, you just have to trust your ability and stay calm. I’m so happy I was able to do that and to score that goal.”