Senegal against Qatar was a game of blunders. Sure, Senegal sent a couple of shots wide, and their keeper had to make a great save early in the game. Qatar looked solid in defense and somewhat threatening in attack. But that changed with the game’s first fatal bug.
Krepin Diatta sent a cross in from the wing in the 41st minute. When Boualem Khoukhi tried to clear it, he lost his balance and mistakenly placed the ball for a perfect shot. Boulaye Dia made the most of it and took advantage of his attempt to score Senegal’s first goal in the 2022 World Cup.
After that, it seemed that substitute goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham lost control of the game. He often stepped out of his box to make acrobatic saves, but once nearly conceded a penalty and almost left his defenseless goal.
Alanyaspor striker Famara Diedhiou made the most of the broken defence. After positioning himself just outside the penalty area, he contorted his body and headed the ball. Barsham jumped in to try and save it, but was unable to reach the floating ball in time. Senegal 2, Qatar 0.
However, Qatar counterattacked. Attacking pairing Akram Afif and Almoez Ali combined several times to put Edouard Mendy to work. Qatar’s attack suddenly came to life, and before long, Qatar had scored their first World Cup goal. Ismael Mohammad sent a perfect cross to super substitute Mohammed Muntari, who rose above Koulibaly to guide the cross into the bottom left corner. Senegal 2, Qatar 1.
Senegal quickly broke through the Qatar defense once again with Iliman Ndiaye’s cross into the box. Marseille youngster Bamba Dieng got loose, found the ball on an open grassy patch and scored Senegal’s third goal cleanly.
Senegal’s 3-1 win over Qatar puts them in a better position to overtake Ecuador for second place.
A win for the Netherlands would allow them to control their own destiny and go for a win or draw (if they have a better goal differential). If the Dutch draw, Senegal can still control their destiny, but they have to beat Ecuador. It is unfavorable for Senegal because Ecuador can try to tie the whole game. If the Netherlands lose, Senegal would have to depend on a favorable result for Qatar against the Netherlands. Ecuador would clinch first place with a draw, and Senegal would need to have a better goal differential than the Netherlands if they win against Qatar.
For Qatar, things are even more important. Qatar will be mathematically eliminated with anything but a Dutch loss. Things look slim for the reigning Asian Cup champions, and panic is gripping the Qatari camp.
Did Cisse’s 4-4-2 work?
Instead of the 4-3-3 that coach Aliou Cisse lined up against Iran and the Netherlands, Aliou Cisse changed his formation to a 4-4-2. The decision comes after Kouyate sprained his ankle against the Netherlands, leaving Cissé with just two reliable midfielders.
Cissé put Idrissa Gueye and Nampalys Mendy in the center and moved Ismaila Sarr and Krepin Diatta into the left and right midfield positions. Dia stayed on top and Diedhiou joined him after remaining on the bench against the Netherlands.
Cissé found it easier to choose her defense. Ismail Jakobs battled his way to a starting spot at left-back, and Abdou Diallo beat Pape Abou Cissé for a starting spot at centre-back. Kalidou Koulibaly and right-back Youssouf Sabaly also started the match.
Cissé’s tactical change looks very good in Senegal. They only conceded .03 xG in the first half, where they didn’t park the bus, and the Lions of Teranga looked as adept offensively as ever. His ability to get into the box and find easy shots pushed them to the limit and gave them three points before facing Ecuador.
With their compact lineup, Senegal also dominated possession. They had nearly 100 more completions than Qatar, with more than half coming in the attacking half. Senegal had 55% of possession and made the most of it.
Error after error for the Maroons
It was a sad day for Qatar, and the 41,797 spectators in the stands knew it. Although no one seriously expected Qatar to upset Senegal, their performance was very depressing.
Outside of Pedro Miguel, a defensive bulwark, the defense was porous at best and self-destructive at worst. The midfield could only make big plays after Senegal tried to wait out the last 20 minutes by parking the bus. Although Mendy made a series of great saves, the attack was uninspiring.
It is somewhat unfortunate that months of isolated and secret training, countless friendlies and hours of tactical reviews have resulted in 180 minutes of pure mediocrity.
Qatar still has a chance to advance; even if it’s skinny. At the end of the game, the Qatari players seemed resigned to their fate.
Photo credit: IMAGO / PanoramiC
World Cup 2022 Guide
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