Belgium vs Senegal Half Time Thoughts: Senegal Deservedly Ahead

Senegal head into the half-time break in Seattle 1-0 up over Belgium in this Round of 32 tie, and you can't say they don't deserve to be ahead.

The game started quite slowly, with neither side willing to take any major risks, but Senegal gradually grew into the game and, early on, demonstrated the danger they pose from crosses.

Everton's Iliman Ndiaye played in a great cross, but it was cleared by the Belgian defenders. Two minutes later, however, Senegal almost went 1-0 up, with a cross that was poorly dealt with by Thibaut Courtois falling to Ismaïla Sarr, whose effort was only good enough to hit the post.

Just before the hydration break, the Lions of Teranga got their breakthrough, when a Sarr header from a cross once again hit the post, but Habib Diarra was quickest to react, tucking home the rebound to put them ahead.

Senegal's defence has been shaky at the World Cup so far, but it has held firm against Belgium's relatively poor attacks, which have been limited to half-chances and long shots.

Jeremy Doku, who has disappointed at the World Cup so far, showed some glimpses of what he can do towards the end of the half, finding some space in the box for a shot. Instead, he went for a cross which deflected off the defender and almost looped over the goalkeeper. Charles De Ketelaere has also struggled to impose any threat in the opening 45 minutes, failing to get much time on the ball, something which has unfortunately been the case throughout the tournament.

Belgium have scored all but one of its goals so far at this tournament in the second half of games, but there will be plenty for Rudi Garcia to think about at the break, as Senegal leads Belgium by one goal to nil.