Pape Thiaw admits Senegal defeat to Belgium ‘hurts’ after failing to protect two-goal lead

A Youri Tielemans penalty deep into the added minutes of extra time completed an incredible comeback to power Belgium into the last 16 of the tournament, when they had appeared destined for the exit at 2-0 down and with time running out.

Thiaw’s side looked on course for a famous Round of 32 victory after goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr gave them a 2-0 lead with only five minutes of normal time remaining.

Belgium appeared to be down and out, but in the dying minutes, substitutes Thomas Meunier and Romelu Lukaku combined to give the Red Devils a lifeline.

Tielemans then headed home an in-swinging cross from Leandro Trossard to draw the European side level and spark scenes of jubilation as extra time beckoned.

The game was headed for penalties when Belgium were handed a penalty following a VAR review. Tielemans, who had been fouled for the penalty, stepped up and sent Senegal home in cruel fashion.

See stats from the match here

Senegal exit hurts

“We’re out – it hurts. We must congratulate the team, who gave it their all, but unfortunately, we weren’t able to hold on to our two-goal lead,” Thiaw told reporters as quoted by FIFA.com.

“Congratulations to the Belgian team, who have gone through. We have to accept this – that’s football.”

On the penalty decision, Thiaw said: “I don’t want to comment on the referee’s decision. It hurts, but we have to congratulate the team who gave everything.

“We didn’t manage the 2-0 lead well. Everyone can comment on the penalty; I don’t want to get into that.

“We had physical problems, there were players who couldn’t go on any longer, so we were forced to make changes. We have to accept it, that’s football.”

Thiaw further reacted to comments from Belgium coach Rudi Garcia, who claimed the Lions of Teranga felt too comfortable and tried to protect their 2-0 lead which he said was a big mistake.

“We know these teams. At the end of the match, we knew that at 2-0, they would do everything to protect their goal. It’s a serious mistake,” said Garcia after the game.

“When you concede a goal at 2-1, the match changes its character.”

Responding to the comments, Thiaw said: “That’s his opinion, but it’s not mine at all. Because we were well positioned. Once you win, it’s easier to talk.”

Thiaw added: “We have to accept it, watch this match, see the things that didn't work. It's certain that this competition is over.

“We have to move forward, study it well, see what didn’t work in order to try to change it for next time.”

Diatta frustrated with performance

Speaking after the game, midfielder Krepin Diatta admitted to being gutted with the outcome. Diatta said the team’s mentality should be questioned after letting the 2-0 lead go away.

“We’re not going to dwell on small details. I think it’s first and foremost a question of mentality,” said Diatta.

“When you’re leading 2-0 in the 84th minute, you have to be the boss in your own box. You have to do everything. If it means using your head, if it means using your body, you have to do it. You have to be a leader.”

Diatta added: “Given what we offered and showed, it’s the heart that speaks today. Frankly, I’m devastated. It’s truly a shame to let slip a qualification that was practically ours.

“We were determined to write a beautiful chapter in the history of our football in this World Cup, but we have to accept that we failed in our mission.

“I put myself in the shoes of all Senegalese people and, frankly, they deserve better. This nation deserves better. Considering what we offered, we shouldn't have lost this match.

“We have to stop making excuses. We have to play with heart. And when it’s time to defend, we have to do it.”

While Belgium will remain in Seattle to play their Round of 16 match on July 6th against hosts USA, Senegal will board their plane back home after the disastrous exit.