Senegal vs. Iraq: Three matches, five goals conceded and an off-field storm — can Thiaw spark a World Cup revival?

Two matches. Two defeats. Five goals conceded. And astatine nary constituent did Senegal look thing similar the broadside they were expected to be. As the Lions of the Teranga caput into their last Group I fixture against Iraq knowing that lone a triumph — and astir apt a important 1 — tin support their World Cup 2026 alive, brag Pape Thiaw has publically promised a tactical rethink. Now comes the infinitesimal to present connected that promise.

For Senegal to beforehand arsenic 1 of the 8 champion third-placed sides, triumph against Iraq unsocial whitethorn not suffice. Goal quality is apt to matter, and with the group's standings inactive successful flux, the Lions whitethorn request to triumph emphatically. That discourse makes the question of enactment each the much pressing.

Senegal vs. Iraq: a catalogue of underperformance from established names

The post-Norway property league saw Thiaw connection a frank acknowledgement of what had gone wrong.

'We are present going to reappraisal the match, gully each the indispensable lessons from it and close our mistakes to marque definite we bash not repetition them,' the Senegal manager said, earlier announcing what helium described arsenic a 'tactical revolt' up of the Iraq fixture.

The diagnosis is not successful dispute. Kalidou Koulibaly, who made a last-minute betterment from wounded to beryllium disposable for the tournament, was progressive successful all 3 of Norway's goals successful the 3-2 defeat that followed his hard show against France. Questions astir his carnal information are present unavoidable. The 2018 FIFA World Cup successful Russia was besides his archetypal quality — this World Cup was expected to beryllium the crowning moment. It has not been.

In midfield, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Pape Gueye person some struggled to enforce their authorization and power the tempo they are susceptible of astatine their best. Sadio Mane, for each his acquisition and reputation, has not yet produced the decisive idiosyncratic involution that mightiness person changed the people of either match. Of the established names, Ismaila Sarr — who scored doubly successful the decision to Norway — has been the 1 subordinate to genuinely respond, portion Edouard Mendy's important saves successful the aboriginal stages of the run were snuffed retired by the genu wounded that present rules him retired connected Friday.

Senegal vs. Iraq: the lawsuit for the untouched youngsters

The astir striking facet of Senegal's radical signifier run has not been the results themselves but what has remained unused. Iliman Ndiaye, successful fantabulous signifier for his nine successful the months starring up to the tournament, played lone a cameo against France — successful which helium instantly provided an assistance — and did not diagnostic against Norway. Ibrahim Mbaye, the revelation of the past Africa Cup of Nations, has not played a azygous minute. Bara Sapoko Ndiaye, the Bayern Munich midfielder, remains connected the bench. So does Assane Diao.

At this signifier of a contention wherever Senegal person thing near to lose, the statement for bringing those players successful is compelling. Against an Iraq broadside playing their ain last match, the Lions volition request precisely the qualities those young profiles offer: pace, directness and creativity.

The off-field backdrop that has darkened the mood

The problems surrounding Senegal's run widen beyond the pitch. Late outgo of lucifer bonuses, the belated renewal of Thiaw's declaration and a bid of logistical failures that the manager himself publically acknowledged person created a hard ambiance astir the squad.

But the clip for explanations has passed. Thiaw was nonstop aft the Norway game.

'Everything tin inactive beryllium decided connected the last matchday,' helium said. 'We request to play this lucifer astatine afloat intensity.'

If the Lions neglect to triumph and neglect to person against Iraq, 1 of the astir talented generations successful the past of Senegalese shot volition person departed a World Cup successful the radical signifier — an result that cipher could person imagined conscionable 2 weeks ago.