Caltex Socceroos keeper Danny Vukovic has helped Racing Genk into the Belgian Cup semi finals following a dramatic penalty shootout win over Waasland Beveren on Thursday (AEDT).
In a game played on a soaked pitch in driving rain, the match finished 3-3 at the end of 90 minutes after both sides remarkably found the net in stoppage time at the Cristal Arena.
Beveren were reduced to 10 men just prior to full time but managed to hold Genk at bay in extra time to force the game to penalties.
And it was Vukovic who proved the difference with the former Sydney FC keeper saving Beveren’s opening spot kick to give his side a crucial advantage.
Genk converted all four of their spot kicks before Waasland’s Victorien Angban smacked the post to send Vukovic’s side through to the last four.
Genk raced out of the blocks and took a commanding 2-0 lead inside 12 minutes with Ruslan Malinovsky and Leandro Trossard on target for the hosts.
But an own goal midway through the half credited to Vukovic and Ryota Morioka's goal just prior to half-time levelled it at 2-2.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 90th minute when Frenchman Rudy Camacho was shown a second yellow card.
And Genk looked to have sealed progression just a minute later with Malinovsky netting to make it 3-2.
But incredibly, Beveren substitute Olivier Myny popped up in the 94th minute to equalise and send the game into extra time.
With no goals in the additional 30 minutes, Vukovic’s vital save in the shootout proved crucial as the hosts booked their spot in the last four.
