Senegal enter Belgium clash with full respect from Lukaku

Senegal face Belgium, Lukaku calls it your toughest test

Your Lions of Teranga are in the round of 32 tonight. Belgium awaits at 21:00 UK time (1) (2). Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku did not mince words, he described this as potentially Belgium's toughest opponent of the tournament, pointing to Senegal's intensity and duel strength as even more formidable than Egypt's (3). Belgian sources frame the match as a serious physical challenge for the Red Devils (2) (3).

The African champions have Belgium's full respect

A Senegalese insider told Belgian media that while the team respects Belgium, the feeling cuts both ways: "We have the weapons to make it difficult for you" (3). The Belgian camp is treating this as a major hurdle, not a routine knockout tie. Senegal enters as African champions, and the Belgian press is not sleeping on that (3).

Fan-reaktioner

Senegal fans are not the loudest voices on the World Cup match threads, Belgium supporters dominate the pre-match chatter, but the Lions of Teranga are the match neutrals are circling. Several commenters on the day's World Cup threads have this circled as the most intriguing matchup of the late window, right alongside England–DR Congo. No one is treating Senegal as an underdog here. Join the discussion.