Senegal fumes over controversial VAR decision as Sadio Mane left heartbroken

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Belgium came from 2-0 down to beat Senegal 3-2 in extra time, with a controversial penalty awarded in the 125th minute after a VAR check, sparking outrage among the Senegal playersThere was late drama between Belgium and Senegal(Image: Getty Images)Senegal's players were left furious after a late penalty awarded to Belgium resulted in their elimination from the World Cup.That means former Liverpool star Sadio Mane will not play in the last 16 of the tournament. Drama unfolded in the encounter in Seattle, with extra time required to determine which side would advance to the last 16.

Belgium claimed a 3-2 triumph over Senegal, mounting a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to level at 2-2 by the end of the 90 minutes.Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had fired Senegal into a commanding 2-0 lead, seemingly on course for a place in the last 16, before late strikes from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans forced the tie into an additional 30 minutes.Belgium was subsequently awarded a penalty following a challenge from Lamine Camara on Tielemans, with the Aston Villa star stepping up to dispatch the spot-kick and send his nation through to the next round of the World Cup.The decision to award the penalty, however, sparked considerable controversy, with the Senegal players visibly angry by the ruling.Referee Said Martinez initially declined to point to the spot, only reversing his decision following a VAR review.Senegal and Belgium players surround the penalty spot after a late spot kick was awarded(Image: Getty Images)Senegal's players promptly congregated around the pitchside monitor, with several positioning themselves around the penalty spot in protest.The outrage from the Senegalese players triggered a lengthy stoppage before Tielemans finally stepped up to take the penalty, with more than 10 additional minutes played in extra time.Tielemans stepped up to convert the penalty, sending the Belgians into the last 16 of the World Cup, where they will face the United States.The Americans also saw off Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 on Wednesday.Belgium topped Group G to book its place in the knockout stages of the tournament, having secured victory over New Zealand alongside draws with Egypt and Iran in the opening rounds.The triumph sees Belgium become the latest nation to advance to the last 16, joining Canada, Paraguay, Morocco, France, Brazil, Norway, England, Mexico, and the United States.The likes of Argentina and Portugal are yet to play their first knockout tie.Should Belgium overcome the United States, it would then face either Spain, Austria, Portugal, or Croatia in the quarterfinals.