Senegal has its destiny between the feet. The men of Aliou Cissé will be in the last 16 of the World Cup if they win this Tuesday against Ecuador. They can hope to pass with a draw, but only if Qatar beats the Netherlands by more than two goals. In this group A, the Dutch are leading with 4 pts, tied with Ecuador. They are followed by Senegal (3 pts) and Qatar (0 pt).
No more room for calculation. Senegal must win to stay in Qatar, at the risk of returning to Dakar with plenty of regrets, like in 2018. The Equation is therefore simple, against Ecuador. What makes think that this match will make sparks. See you at 15h GMT.
The African champions want to return to the second round of the World Cup, 20 years after the quarterfinals in Korea and Japan. It falls well, they are again in Asian land. The opportunity is good to align the stars and dream bigger. Especially since the players also have another motivation: to shine without Sadio Mané. At the approach of the competition, Senegal was placed among the outsiders thanks to its number 10. But since his injury, the chances of the band Aliou Cissé have drastically decreased.
For Pape Bouba Diop...
By chance, Senegal plays in the World Cup on the second anniversary of the death of Pape Bouba Diop. The latter is the first striker of the history of Senegal in the World Cup. It was in 2022. We all remember his inaugural goal against France, and his double against Uruguay in the third game. Three goals that make the former player of Lens the best Senegalese scorer in the World Cup. The midfielder had conquered the world at the time, and in his wake, all Senegal had followed. No doubt that his memory will be in the heads of the players, but also in that of Aliou Cissé, his partner at the time in the midfield.
29 novembre 2020 - 29 novembre 2022 | A jamais dans nos cœurs Pape Bouba Diop. Repose en paix gaindé 🕊️♥️ pic.twitter.com/6ZV7s5VEVY
— FSF (@Fsfofficielle) November 28, 2022
For its third participation in the World Cup, Senegal wants to believe, and can believe. A victory would open the doors of the second round for the second time in three editions (a quarterfinal in 2002, 1st round in 2018). Aliou Cissé wanted to motivate his players. Perhaps history to make them aware of the challenge.
"It is a very important match for this generation that has already done exceptional things. It's up to us to prepare for it with a clear head. I ask my boys to concentrate on the game. These are high-stakes games. Sometimes the stakes get higher than the game. So the best way to do it is to think about the game. We have the offensive potential to score at any time. So, we have to play, play and play again to hope to win [...] Only the victory is beautiful tomorrow (Tuesday). We must have the energy and aggressiveness that we have had in other decisive games in recent years, "said the coach of Senegal in a press conference on Monday.
Ecuador with or without Valencia?
If Senegal plays its survival against Ecuador, it is also because the Tri has started well this World Cup. First against Qatar (2-0 victory), then against the Netherlands (1-1 draw). The common denominator between these two games: Enner Valencia. The striker scored all three goals of his team in this World Cup. He is also the top scorer with Kylian Mbappé. Nevertheless, a doubt remains about his participation in this match. He injured his knee against the Dutch and remains uncertain. His country hopes to count on him for a second qualification to the round of 16 after 2006.
Whatever the case, this Ecuador vs Senegal match is set to go down in history. At the end of the match there might be joy, tears, and maybe tears of joy. Because the fate of both teams is played in 90 minutes.
