In a crucial life and death showdown with a lot at stake, Senegal did not disappoint. It took the Lions of Teranga a while to break through, but with their resilience and hunger for recognition, they did.
Early in the match, Senegal tested Ecuadorian goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez several times, but all his shots went wide of the post. Ismaila Sarr was especially a big threat to Ecuador’s defense. He was fouled eight times in the entire matchup. It was fitting that he was the one to put Senegal on after 44 minutes of brutal physical activity.
Sarr fouled in the box, and sent his penalty to the right post, dodging Galíndez’s outstretched hands.
The momentum changed after the second half when Ecuador realized that they would not advance with the current circumstances. Forward Michael Estrada nearly scored with a looping header, but it was Moisés Caicedo’s 67th-minute goal that brought Ecuador level.
Félix Torres finished off an unmarked Caicedo with a header from a corner, which he finished off without any problems. As it was, Ecuador would advance and Senegal would be left behind.
Senegal find their way to the round of 16
Kalidou Koulibaly had other plans. After Idrissa Gueye sent a free-kick peach into a milling mass of players, Torres regrettably miskicked a ball to an open Koulibaly. The central defender launched his volley into the back of the net.
Just like that, it was finished. Senegal did not park the bus as other teams tried. The Teranga Lions were aware that a slim one goal lead was not enough to sit them down. Ecuador had their chances, but Senegal dominated the match. They will look to do the same against England in the round of 16.
The good and bad of Senegal
There were many good things in Senegal’s thrilling win. Senegal showed offensive tenacity that they did not have against the Netherlands or Qatar. The desperation to reach the World Cup took them to greater heights. The numbers prove it.
They had a whopping 2.14 xG on just 14 shots and 39% possession. They proved to be extremely powerful on the counter-attack and on set pieces, forcing Ecuador to put on a great defensive performance.
Aliou Cisse also made some questionable lineup choices that ended up paying off. He benched Krepin Diatta for Iliman Ndiaye, who ended up playing a big role in revitalizing Senegal’s attack. He also benched Nampalys Mendy, which was surprising considering the Leicester midfielder’s form for Senegal. But Mendy’s replacement, Pathé Ciss, played an incredible game for Senegal.
There wasn’t much wrong for Senegal if you look past Senegal’s poor possession. Senegal made the most of the time they had on the ball and denied Ecuador any scoring chances. Where Senegal suffered was defending inside and near the box. When Ecuador had the opportunity to control Zone 14, it rejected it. They only had six shots in the area, and only two were on goal. Other teams that advance to the round of 16, such as England, Portugal, the Netherlands and France, are much more accurate inside the box.
What to expect from the Lions of Teranga
Senegal faces England in the round of 16. England boast a powerful attack, with Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka and more all leading the Three Lions attack. Among them is Marcus Rashford, whose three goals are tied for the best of the tournament so far. Therefore, Senegal needs to defend well and relentlessly. It is a certainty that Mendy will have to make some saves, and Koulibaly will be in action.
To cause a big upset like Saudi Arabia did with Argentina and Japan with Germany, Senegal must be flawless in transition. Senegal did not show anything special at the break, except for Bamba Dieng’s quick goal against Qatar.
The best aspect of this Senegal team is their ability in set pieces. They always find a way to commit fouls in dangerous places or land good headers from free kicks and corners. They have to exploit that if they want to book their first World Cup quarterfinal appearance in 20 years.
PHOTO: IMAGO/Xinhua
World Cup 2022 Guide
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