Lukaku remembered late father after crucial goal for Belgium

Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku said that he remembered his late father after he scored a crucial goal in Belgium’s 3-2 win over Senegal on Wednesday.

The late comeback with the winning goal in extra-time secured the Belgians a spot in the World Cup last 16.

“I think my father is watching over me. I’m sure of that,” Lukaku said after the match. His father, Roger, died last September.

Belgium were down 2-0 and Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute as they went on to score another one to force extra-time. Youri Tielemans then netted a penalty at the death.

“We really had guts, that’s what you need in a game like that,” Lukaku said.

When the Belgians were awarded a penalty, Lukaku initially held onto the ball for a long time, but then handed it off to captain Tielemans.

“It’s still a little difficult for me, so it was better for me that Youri took the spot-kick. I don’t want to win for myself. The team has to win,” Lukaku said.

He was also praised for his leadership skills. When Tielemans and Leandro Trossard were having an argument during the second hydration break, the 33-year-old Lukaku stepped in to mediate.

“Romelu tried to calm both of them down. I like that. It shows we have a lively team,” coach Rudi Garcia said.