'It was a cruel defeat' - Pape Thiaw sad after Senegal's dramatic World Cup exit

Senegal looked in complete control for much of the match after Habib Diarra gave them the lead before half-time and Ismaila Sarr doubled the advantage shortly after the break.

The African side held a two-goal cushion until the closing stages, but Belgium produced a remarkable comeback as Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans scored in the final five minutes of normal time to force extra time.

With the match heading towards a penalty shootout, Tielemans converted a spot-kick in the 125th minute to send Belgium into the last 16 and end Senegal's World Cup campaign.

"It was a cruel defeat," Thiaw told reporters after the match. "We played well and we were leading 2-0. But a football match doesn't last 85 minutes. Belgium came back and we couldn't deal with that. We also had our chances, but we have to congratulate Belgium because they qualified."

The decisive penalty proved controversial from Senegal's point of view after Lamine Camara was judged to have fouled Tielemans inside the box. Although Thiaw disagreed with the decision, he chose not to criticise the match officials.

"When the penalty was awarded, we had our own interpretation," he said. "We didn't think it was a penalty. Our players questioned the decision because they believed they had the right to do so. Belgium scored from it, and that goal knocked us out."

Despite the painful collapse, Thiaw refused to blame his players for letting a two-goal lead slip away. Instead, he said the defeat should become an important learning experience for the squad.

"I believe we played well," he said. "It's always easier to talk after a victory. Now we have to analyse what happened, see where we can improve and learn from the things that didn't work so we are better prepared for the next competition."

Thiaw acknowledged the disappointment felt across Senegal but insisted his players must move forward.

"There is already a lot of noise around this defeat," he added. "Losing is never easy, especially when victory seemed so close. Football can be cruel. We have to accept the result, as difficult as it is, and move on. It is not easy for me or the players because we wanted to take our country into the last 16, but now we have to look ahead."

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