Sports

“We’re out – it hurts” – Senegal Coach Thiaw Reacts to Belgium Collapse

Published

2 hours ago

July 2, 2026

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has expressed his disappointment after his team threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Belgium in the World Cup Round of 32. Goals from Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr gave Senegal a commanding lead before Belgium staged a dramatic comeback in the final five minutes.

Romelu Lukaku reduced the deficit in the 86th minute before captain Youri Tielemans equalised three minutes later and converted a controversial VAR penalty in extra time to complete the comeback.

Thiaw said: “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. Congratulations to the Belgian team. We have to accept this – that’s football.”

Key Points:

Senegal players and fans face heartbreaking disappointment after leading 2-0
The collapse raises questions about the team’s mental resilience under pressure
African teams have now suffered six eliminations from the tournament
Belgium’s remarkable comeback keeps their World Cup hopes alive
The controversial VAR penalty will be debated long after the game

Senegal exits with heads held high despite the pain. Belgium advances to face the USA in the Round of 16.

Sources: FIFA

Sports

Pape Gueye Threatens to Quit Senegal After World Cup Collapse

Published

2 hours ago

July 2, 2026

99digits.ng

Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has sensationally threatened to quit international football in an explosive Instagram post following his team’s dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the World Cup Round of 32.

The 27-year-old Villarreal player declared he will no longer represent Senegal “as long as this technical staff” remains in place, posting: “I announce today that as long as it’s this technical staff I’ll take a break from the selection.”

The outburst came after Gueye was substituted in the 64th minute with Senegal leading 2-0, before Belgium staged a remarkable comeback. Coach Pape Thiaw defended the substitution, citing fatigue and insisting changes were forced by physical condition. The defeat adds to Thiaw’s controversial history, including the overturned AFCON final against Morocco.

Senegal’s World Cup exit has triggered a major internal crisis
Gueye’s threat could divide the squad ahead of future tournaments
The substitution decision will be debated for years to come
Thiaw’s coaching future is now in serious doubt
The crisis undermines Senegal’s status as Africa’s top team

Senegal faces an uncertain future. The federation must decide whether to back Thiaw or risk losing key players like Gueye.

Sources: Pape Gueye (via Instagram)

Sports

10-Man USA Beats Bosnia 2-0, Sets Up Belgium Clash

Published

2 hours ago

July 2, 2026

99digits.ng

The United States secured a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup Round of 32 to advance to the Round of 16. Folarin Balogun opened the scoring just before halftime after Malik Tillman threaded a ball through to him.

Balogun was later sent off in the second half, becoming the fourth player to score and be red-carded in a World Cup knockout match. Despite being reduced to 10 men, the USMNT doubled their lead from a Tillman free kick in the 82nd minute.

The USA will face Belgium in the Round of 16. The US made 10 changes from their final group game, a 3-2 loss to Turkey.

Key Points:

USA’s depth was tested with 10 changes, but they still secured a win
Balogun’s red card means he will miss the Belgium clash
The US faces a tough test against comeback kings Belgium
Tillman was the standout performer with a goal and an assist
USA’s resilience with 10 men shows tournament toughness.

USA faces Belgium in the Round of 16. Balogun’s suspension is a major blow for the American attack.

Sources: Goal, SuperSport