All African teams are alike; each unhappy ending has the same plot

You know the saying: trick me once, shame on you; trick me twice, shame on me. But what lesson do we learn when it happens a third time? Do we have to recognise a deeper problem, or is there a lesson waiting for us in these repeated defeats?

In just three days, African teams endured three heartbreaking World Cup losses to European opponents - each loss nearly identical and equally devastating.

Ivory Coast, DR Congo, and Senegal exited in the Round of 32, each narrowly missing a heroic win. To make matters even more dramatic, the notorious 86th minute struck in all three games.

Haaland's late goal sealed Norway's win over Ivory Coast. Harry Kane broke DR Congo hearts with a second for England, and Romelu Lukaku sparked Belgium's dramatic comeback. How did all three African sides leave these star players unmarked in decisive moments? Was it lapses of focus, fatigue, or tactical errors - or a combination of all three?

"We know teams like that: they lose their tactical structure towards the end of the match," said Belgium manager Rudi Garcia after topping the Lions of Teranga despite a 2-0 deficit near the end of the match.

"We knew that at 2-0 they would do everything to protect their goal, which in my opinion is a serious mistake. Remind me when we're 2-0 up not to do that. Because when you concede a goal as they did at 2-1, the whole feel of the match changes. And then it was pretty good to score in stoppage time, from a completely justified penalty."

Senegal's tragedy, Senegal's suicide: Belgium make incredible comeback and advance after extra-time thriller

His colleague, Senegalese coach Pape Thiaw, didn't go into a deeper analysis. The pain was still too fresh…

"We're out - it hurts," Thiaw said. "We must congratulate the team, who gave it their all, but unfortunately, we weren't able to hold on to our two-goal lead. We have to accept this. That's football."

Sebastien Desabre's DR Congo nearly executed the perfect game plan against England, but Thomas Tuchel's side, fueled by relentless Kane, found a way back.

"We kept knocking to crack that rock. The keeper made unbelievable saves, but the reaction and belief were one-of-a-kind. They were ready to keep doing what was necessary to do, and we found a way to win, well deserved,” concluded Tuchel.

Tragic and bizarre: DR Congo coach learns of father's death at press conference

Ivory Coast was level with Norway in the final moments until Haaland's decisive header pushed Norway through. Ivorian manager Emerse Fae pointed to inexperience as the key reason for the late defeat.

"That's football. When you get chances, you have to score. We did the hard part by equalising. Unfortunately, we conceded that goal at the end. It's a shame," said Fae as quoted by FIFA.com.

"The players gave it their all and played until the very end. We were up against a spirited team that defended well and secured qualification.

"At this level, it comes down to the little details. You have to stay focused from start to finish, no matter the opponent. It was everyone's first World Cup.

"I think the players have learned a lot. The key lesson is to maintain focus and composure until the final whistle. Now, we'll work on coming back stronger for the next challenges."

TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Ivory Coast's tactical discipline collapsed against Norway

Fae added: "It's difficult to lose, you know, in the last few minutes, it's difficult to find the right words, because my players fought from the very first minutes until the very last minute.

"We've learned a lot, thanks to this competition. It was the very first World Cup for many players, and maybe we were lacking in maturity."

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Round of 32

Sunday

South Africa - Canada 0-1 (0-0)

/Eustaquio 90+2/

Monday

Brazil - Japan 2-1 (0-1)

/Casemiro 56, Martinelli 90+5 - Sano 29/

Germany - Paraguay 3-4 on penalties (0-1)

/Havertz 54 - Enciso 42/

Tuesday

Netherlands - Morocco 2-3 on penalties (1-1)

/Gakpo 72 - Diop 90+1/

Ivory Coast - Norway 1-2 (0-1)

/Diallo 74 - Nusa 39, Haaland 86/

France - Sweden 3-0 (1-0)

/Mbappe 45, 74 Barcola 53/

Wednesday

Mexico - Ecuador 2-0 (2-0)

/Quinones 22, Jimenez 31/

England - DR Congo 2-1 (0-1)

/Kane 75, 86 - Cipenga 7/

Belgium - Senegal 3-2 a.e.t. (2-2)

/Lukaku 86, Tielemans 89, 120+5 pen - Diarra 25, Sarr I. 51/

Thursday

USA - B&H 2-0 (1-0)

/Balogun 45, Tillman 82/

22.00: (1.32) Spain (5.25) Austria (10.0)

Friday

02.00: (1.95) Portugal (3.40) Croatia (4.10)

06.00: (1.95) Switzerland (3.45) Algeria (4.00)

21.00: (3.15) Australia (2.95) Egypt (2.55)

Saturday

01.00: (1.17) Argentina (7.50) Cape Verde (16.0)

04.30: (1.70) Colombia (3.60) Ghana (5.50)

***odds are subject to change***