First half goes to Senegal against Belgium

The first 45 minutes of the Belgium-Senegal match in the World Cup Round of 32 are behind us. Senegal finished the first half of the contest — played in knockout format with the loser exiting the tournament — 1-0 ahead. In the match played at Lumen Field, the only goal was scored by Habib Diarra.

Senegal were the side who went ahead in the first half. Habib Diarra found the net in the 25th minute to put his team 1-0 up. With this goal, Senegal seized the advantage against favorites Belgium and managed to close the half in front. Ahead of their opponents in chance creation and expected goals in the first half, Senegal produced an effective showing.

Belgium, meanwhile, could not fully translate the game they wanted onto the pitch in the first half. Despite finding balance in possession, the side struggled to produce a clear result in front of goal and went into the break behind. Looking at the match statistics, while the two teams' possession figures ran close to each other, Senegal stood out in expected goals and chance creation.

After the first half, all eyes turned to the second 45 minutes. How Belgium, who fell behind, will get into the game in the second half and what moves they will make to change the score is a point of curiosity. Senegal, for their part, are aiming to protect their advantage and advance to the next round. The result of this crucial match in the knockout round will directly affect both nations' futures at the World Cup.

Image: Yahoo Sports

First-half numbers: Possession 51%-49% (in Belgium's favor), expected goals (xG) 0.11-1.90 (in Senegal's favor), total shots 5-7, big chances 0-2, touches in the opposition box 16-9.