Belgium boss denies criticising African football after dramatic World Cup comeback win over Senegal

Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has sought to clarify remarks made after his side’s dramatic World Cup comeback against Senegal, following widespread perception that his comments were critical of African football. Belgium staged an improbable recovery in their round of 32 clash on Wednesday, overturning a two-goal deficit against Senegal for a 3-2 victory with a goal deep into extra time. Senegal led 2-0 with five minutes of normal time remaining, before Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans netted late goals to force extra time. Tielemans then scored a penalty in the 125th minute, sealing progression to face the United States on Monday in Seattle. Speaking to television cameras immediately after the final whistle, Garcia remarked: "We know those teams, they lose their tactical structure towards the end of the match." He further elaborated on his tactical assessment, adding: "We also knew that at 2-0 (up) they would do everything to protect their goal, which in my opinion is a grave mistake. Remind me when we’re leading 2-0 not to do that." Youri Tielemans scored a late winner for Belgium (Getty) The 62-year-old Frenchman’s remarks were swiftly interpreted by some as a criticism of African football’s tactical discipline. Garcia later clarified on Instagram, insisting his words were not directed at African teams. "When I spoke of ‘those teams’, I was referring to teams unaccustomed to managing a lead in high-level World Cup matches. My comments were by no means aimed at African teams," he wrote. He added his observations "could just as easily have applied to Asian, South American or European teams unfamiliar with such pressure. As a less experienced coach myself, I learned the hard way that stopping play to defend a result at all costs is counterproductive." Statisticians Opta were quick to highlight Garcia’s own past, posting on X (formerly Twitter) that during his coaching career in French football, he had overseen three Ligue 1 matches where his team squandered a 2-0 lead to lose. Garcia, who led Lille to a league and French Cup double in 2011, has also managed Marseille, Lyon, Roma, and Napoli, before taking charge of Belgium in January last year. Belgium remain undefeated at this year’s tournament after drawing with Egypt and Iran before beating New Zealand and Senegal.