Belgian national team striker Romelu Lukaku emphasized that the character he and his teammates displayed was the difference when they defeated Senegal 3-2 in the round of 32 match of the 2026 World Cup at Lumen Field Stadium, Seattle, Washington, United States.
"It was a fierce match, but we gave everything we had. We were behind, but we showed strong character. And in a match like this, that's what makes the difference," said Lukaku after the match, quoted from the official FIFA website.
Belgium was indeed under more pressure from the start, even falling behind 0-2 due to goals from Habib Diarra in the 25th minute and Ismaila Sarr.
However, Rudi Garcia's team managed to find a good momentum just four minutes before the end of normal time when Lukaku scored a reply goal utilizing Thomas Meunier's cutback.
Three minutes later they completely overturned the two-goal deficit through Youri Tielemans' header into an empty net, capitalizing on goalkeeper Mory Diaw's misjudgment of Leandro Trossard's long ball.
