Belgium staged a remarkable comeback from two goals behind to defeat Senegal 3-2 after extra time on Wednesday, completing the biggest comeback of the World Cup so far.
Senegal was leading 2-0 with only five minutes of normal time remaining, but late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans forced the Round of 32 match into extra time.
Tielemans completed the turnaround by converting a penalty in the 125th minute, the latest goal ever scored in World Cup history.
"Being part of this comeback is a proud moment because I scored the last two goals to give the team the win today. I'm very proud of that to be able to help the team to score goals and bring us over the line," Tielemans said.
The midfielder won the decisive penalty after being fouled in the closing moments of extra time. Following a video review, the referee awarded the spot kick despite protests from Senegal's players, with a penalty shootout just seconds away.
"I do not want to interpret the decision. We all have different interpretations when it comes to awarding a penalty," Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said. "I'd rather not comment, not interpreting the referee's decision."
The victory marked only the second time in the last 11 World Cups that a team has recovered from a deficit of two or more goals in a knockout match to advance. Belgium also achieved the feat in a 3-2 win over Japan in the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup.
"Senegal deserved to win," Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said. "But, I am happy it was us."
Several experienced players from Belgium's 2018 squad, which finished third in Russia, played key roles in the comeback. Lukaku, Belgium's all-time leading scorer, came off the bench to make it 2-1 in the 86th minute before Tielemans equalised to send the game into extra time.
"It is a cruel loss, as we were good in the game," Thiaw said. "We had the advantage. We were leading 2-0. However a football match is not an 85-minute one. Belgium came back, and we were not able to deal with that. We must congratulate Belgium as they progress."
Belgium has now reached the Round of 16 for the third time in the last four World Cups. The team advanced to the quarterfinals in 2014 and the semifinals in 2018 before failing to get out of the group stage in Qatar four years ago.
Belgium will next face the United States on Monday in Seattle.
Senegal looked set to secure victory after Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the first half and Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead early in the second half.
Sarr's goal, his fourth of the tournament, was among the finest of the World Cup. He controlled a long pass from Moussa Niakhaté with his chest before firing past Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Courtois, playing in his fourth World Cup, later produced three crucial saves to keep Belgium in the match.
Senegal defender Krépin Diatta said his side should not have allowed Belgium back into the contest.
"It shouldn't have happened. You have to defend your box and you have to be the boss of your box," he said. "We suffered, but we have to go on. It's a pity."
Lukaku praised Belgium's determination after the dramatic victory.
"This Senegal side is one of the best teams in the tournament," he said. "Technically, physically and tactically, it was really tough. But when we stepped up the intensity of our pressing, when we were there for the second ball, our team spirit shone through and we won the match."
Senegal entered the tournament as Africa's second-highest ranked team behind Morocco. It won the Africa Cup of Nations final on Jan. 18 against Morocco, although the result was later overturned by African football's governing body after Thiaw temporarily pulled his players off the pitch.
Senegal reached the World Cup knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams after losses to France and Norway and a victory over Iraq.
"It's the best African nation. It's as simple as that," Garcia said. "They showed that even against France, they dominated in the first half. They came out of a difficult group. I would have preferred not to play against them."