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Toby Alderweireld has reflected on how Belgium overturned a 2-0 deficit during the 2018 World Cup, drawing parallels with their dramatic win over Senegal this evening.

The Red Devils staged another remarkable comeback, recovering from what appeared to be an impossible 2-0 situation against Senegal with only four minutes of regular time left on the clock.

Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans found the back of the net in the 86th and 89th minutes respectively, levelling the match and forcing extra time. Tielemans then held his nerve to convert a penalty in the 125th minute, sealing a 3-2 victory in the Round of 32.

A similar moment of resilience defined Belgium’s 2018 World Cup campaign, when they also came from two goals behind to defeat Japan 3-2. On that occasion, Belgium were trailing 2-0 with just 21 minutes remaining, before three late goals turned the contest in their favour during regular time.

Former Belgium international Alderweireld, who featured in that 2018 clash, shared his reflections with BOYLE Sports, shedding light on how such dramatic turnarounds can happen, including the one witnessed against Senegal.

“If you turn it up, even one stupid goal, one silly moment can change everything,” said the ex-Red Devil, recalling how momentum can shift instantly in football.

He continued, “When we were 2-0 down to Japan, we said, ‘Come on, we just need one goal.’ It was one goal, even a strange one, and suddenly the game changed completely.”

“I remember we were creating some chances… Romelu Lukaku came close, but Jan Vertonghen’s header — a goal that was actually quite lucky — changed everything,” Alderweireld added. “The belief came back after that. That match remains one of the most iconic games in World Cup history.”

The former Tottenham Hotspur defender also acknowledged the weight of expectations that has long surrounded Belgium’s golden generation, and how small margins can alter their legacy.

“It was an incredible game,” Alderweireld reflected. “But imagine if we’d lost that match — it would have gone down as one of Belgium’s worst World Cups ever. Instead, it became one of our best performances. Sometimes, football really is about the finest details.”

He concluded, “I always preferred being 2-0 up, but it’s true what they say — 2-0 really can be the most dangerous scoreline in football.”

With this latest comeback, Belgium progress to the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, where they will face either the USA or Bosnia and Herzegovina.