Senegal blow 2–0 lead, Gueye walks out on national team

Senegal collapse from 2–0, eliminated by Belgium

A World Cup exit that will sting for years. Senegal led Belgium 2–0 and lost 3–2 in extra time in the round of 32 (1) (5). Youri Tielemans scored twice, including the penalty that sealed it (1) (4). Your team was 2–0 up and let it slip completely.

Garcia's 'lesson' and the walk-back

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia could not resist twisting the knife. "Remind me, when we are winning 2–0, not to do this," he said after the match (2). On Wednesday he denied any irony, claiming journalists misinterpreted him: "I said that when you're ahead, and this applies to every team in the world, the tendency is to drop back and try to protect the goal" (6).

Pape Gueye says he is done while current staff stays

The fallout has already started. Pape Gueye has announced he will not play for Senegal again as long as the current technical staff remains in place (4). No further details on the specific grievance, but it is an open rift between a national team player and the coaching setup.

Jackson heading back to Chelsea for checks

Nicolas Jackson will be assessed by Xabi Alonso after Senegal's World Cup exit (7). The Chelsea forward is returning to his club for fitness evaluation now that the tournament is over for your team.

The other side: Doku flops, Lukaku passes on the penalty

Belgian media shredded Jeremy Doku after the match. RTBF called his defensive display "disastrous" and labeled him one of the flops of the tournament so far (8). Romelu Lukaku declined the penalty that decided the tie, telling reporters he was not mentally ready for such a crucial moment and left it to Tielemans (4). Hein Vanhaezebrouck warned the result has not saved Belgium's coach: "If this is not followed by something positive, it hangs like a sword of Damocles over the manager" (3) (9).

Fan reactions

The Gueye bombshell is dominating the discussion. Fans are treating his walkout as a direct vote of no confidence in the coaching staff after that collapse. The penalty decision is also a hot topic, a Senegalese interviewer confronted Tielemans directly accusing the referee of favouring Belgium, and ITV's analysis called the VAR review the longest of the tournament so far, arguing it was "re-refereeing the game" (2) (3). Gueye quits Senegal until coaching staff replaced