How fight between Arsenal's Leandro Trossard and Youri Tielemans of Aston Villa saved Belgium's FIFA World Cup campaign

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Leandro Trossard called it the quarrel that "brought fire to the team". But had Belgium departed this summer's FIFA World Cup, it would have been the final, defining, damning image that captured a squad well past its prime that never lived up to its billing as the Golden Generation.

'You're welcome' - Watch as Pochettino intervenes after his name is mispronounced

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Make no mistake, Trossard and Youri Tielemans have enjoyed stellar campaigns for their respective clubs in the Premier League, tasting silverware with Arsenal and Aston Villa respectively.

But therein lies the issue that has plagued The Red Devils for well over a decade, since before Hal Robson-Kanu twisted and turned to score his iconic goal for Wales against them during the European Championship quarter-finals in Lille 10 years ago.

A team littered with gifted, global stars has for far too long amounted to less than the sum of its parts, but there remains hope that Rudi Garcia's current group can blossom into something special in North America after Wednesday's dramatic 3-2 win over Senegal in Seattle saw them reach the last 16.

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That seemed far from likely when their African counterparts raced into a 2-0 lead through Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr goals inside 51 minutes. Indeed, Garcia's side had made little headway with only four minutes remaining of normal time.

During the second hydration break, as the players made their way over to the near touchline, Tielemans and Trossard had to be separated by Romelu Lukaku and Nicolas Raskin as the pair nearly came to blows.

The accusation, it would appear, was that the Villa midfielder had not played the ball wide to Trossard and had instead produced a poor cross. The Arsenal forward then pushed Tielemans, which ignited a fuse inside him.

Asked about the quarrel between Tielemans and Trossard, Garcia said: "I don't mind if two guys argue for a while. It proves that we are a lively team.

"You need that grit. You have to dare to name things, instead of bottling everything up and keeping quiet. Otherwise, we would be dead now. But we are not dead. We are still alive."

Belgium substitute Romelu Lukaku reduced the deficit in the 86th minute before Tielemans' brave header three minutes later - from Trossard's inviting cross - took the tie into extra-time.

Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard argued on the pitch against Senegal

Image credit: Getty Images

From seemingly being out for the count, Belgium had risen from the canvas and rediscovered themselves.

After Dodi Lukebakio's effort clipped the crossbar, they were then awarded a penalty following a seven-minute video assistant referee (VAR) review, which determined that Lamine Camara's sliding challenge on Tielemans in the build-up warranted a spot-kick.

As the Belgium captain kept his composure to dispatch the winning penalty, Trossard was right in the thick of the celebrations in the far corner as the entire Belgium bench raced down the touchline.

"Maybe our riot has brought fire to the group," Trossard admitted afterwards, with a wink to the camera.

"Sometimes you need that when things are not going well. In the end, everything worked out well.

"Nothing stuck between Youri and me. He also deserves all the credit for that penalty goal. It's great that he takes his responsibility and stays cool at such an important moment. This was magical for him."

Tielemans, who was involved in a touchline altercation with his manager Unai Emery during Villa's successful Europa League campaign, reflected: "We are just winners and want to represent our country well."

Gueye quits Senegal until management overhaul

Meanwhile, Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has announced an indefinite break from international football following the Teranga Lions' painful elimination, declaring that he will not return to the national team while the current technical staff remain in charge.

In a message posted on Instagram, Gueye confirmed his decision to step away from international duty.

"I will come back to tell you some more words regarding our elimination," Gueye wrote.

"But I announce today that as long as this technical staff are in place, I will be taking a break from the national team."

Pape Gueye has featured for Senegal at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups

Image credit: Getty Images

The 27-year-old did not elaborate on the reasons behind his decision, leaving unanswered questions about the nature of his disagreement with the coaching staff and whether his frustration was directed specifically at head coach Pape Thiaw.

Gueye's announcement marks a dramatic development for Senegal, particularly given his influential role during the tournament.

The Africa Cup of Nations final hero had returned to the starting line-up against Belgium after being left out of the starting XI for the previous victory over Iraq, where he made a decisive impact from the bench by scoring twice in the second half.

Against Belgium, however, Gueye was withdrawn in the 66th minute with Senegal holding what appeared to be a commanding 2-0 advantage. Lamine Camara replaced him, but the Teranga Lions were unable to preserve their lead.

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