It's very good to score with a justified penalty – Rudi Garcia

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia has defended his side’s dramatic comeback victory over Senegal in the World Cup Round of 32, insisting the result was a consequence of tactical discipline and a “justified” late penalty that sealed qualification.

Speaking after the 3-2 win, Garcia reflected on how the match swung from Senegal’s control to Belgium’s favour, as the Lions of Teranga collapsed after holding a 2-0 lead.

“We know teams like that: they lose their tactical structure towards the end of the match. We knew that at 2-0 they would do everything to protect their goal, which in my opinion is a serious mistake,” he said.

Senegal had looked firmly in command for much of the contest after goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr put them in control.

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But Belgium’s late pressure changed everything, with Romelu Lukaku pulling one back before Youri Tielemans levelled the match in the closing minutes of normal time.

Garcia highlighted the turning point as Senegal’s decision to sit deep and defend their advantage.

“Remind me when we’re 2-0 up not to do that. Because when you concede a goal like they did at 2-1, the whole feel of the match changes,” he added.

In extra time, Belgium completed the comeback after a VAR review awarded a penalty for a foul inside the box.

Tielemans stepped up and converted from the spot to complete the turnaround and send Belgium into the Round of 16.

However with most Senegalese players condemning the penalty decision, Garcia insisted the referee made the right call.

“It was very good to score from a completely justified penalty,” he said.

FKA/JE

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