World Cup 2022: Patrice Beaumelle analyses Senegal's defeat to the Netherlands

The pecking order held, as the Netherlands, billed as one of the outsiders at this World Cup, beat Senegal. Even so, the Lions may feel they have cause for regret…

Yes. I'm disappointed for Senegal, who deserved a better result. But they lost to a quality Dutch side who knew how to be clinical. There's not much you can criticise the Senegalese for, other than not scoring when they had the chance. Indeed, it was during a spell of Lions pressure that the Netherlands took the lead through Cody Gakpo, one of the Oranje's best players. Just before that goal (85th minute), you could see the Dutch players getting frustrated, and the face of their coach, Louis Van Gaal, tightening. It's a shame… Memphis Depay's introduction was probably decisive and did a lot of damage to Aliou Cissé's players. He knew how to hold on to the ball when it was needed and pin down two opposing players.

Senegal chose not to close the game down against a side renowned for their technical quality and their immoderate taste for attacking, possession-based football…

Indeed, and they were right to. Senegal posed real problems for their opponents, trying to stop them from playing their game as much as possible. When the Netherlands had the ball, the Lions knew how to drop into a compact block. Physically, I also thought the Senegalese looked sharp. And overall, they showed an attractive side, at the level of a World Cup match. This team just lacked a bit more of a clinical edge. We know that at a World Cup you have to show more of a killer instinct, because against teams like the Netherlands, you're not going to create ten chances.

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"Senegal lacked a clinical edge during their spells on top"

Did Sadio Mané's absence weigh heavily?

We know his immense talent, his ability to turn a match with a burst of pace, a simple piece of skill, a goal or an assist. When I said Senegal lacked a clinical edge, it's obvious that his presence might have changed things. At 1-0 to the Netherlands, the Lions perhaps went long a bit too often, but we were late in the match and there was probably some fatigue. Clearly Senegal are stronger with Mané, but they will have to manage without him. And I thought the African champions showed a very good side despite the absence of their star.

If they are to hope to qualify, Senegal will have to beat Qatar on Friday…

That would indeed be preferable. With a win over Qatar, who will no doubt look to respond after their defeat to Ecuador (0-2), Senegal would be in an interesting position going into their last match against Ecuador. If they play against the Qataris like they did this Monday, Senegal can be ambitious. What is annoying, though, are the injuries to Abdou Diallo and Cheikhou Kouyaté, two very important players in Cissé's set-up. We'll soon know what they are suffering from, but if it's muscular, it's not a good sign…

Interview by Alexis BILLEBAULT