Three underdogs who have impressed at the World Cup
2. Senegal
Senegal are my favourite lower placed FIFA ranked side. At 24th place, they are punching way above. Yet teams like Costa Rica, Austria and USA rank higher. However, the Lions of Teranga – as they are called – look more solid and swift than many above.
Players like Sadio Mane, Mbaye Niang, Ismaila Saar and the rapid full-back Moussa Wague lit up Russia in the win against Poland. In addition to rousing neutrals versus Japan, in a keenly fought draw.
Japanese fans joined the Senegalese once again, in tidying their allocated supporter areas. In what are arguably the most heart warming moments of the tournament so far.
The Guardian outlines the ‘litter-bug-antithesis’. Group H is wide open for all but the Poles, as we look at FIFA standings with goal.com.
How did a rather small west African country with a population around 16 million produce such a great team? We know they have a thorough French colonial heritage, and one can glance at France’s international record and see they are a global powerhouse.
Yet it is something more, a general physical and mental toughness. Players with astonishing fitness and resolve. Flair and skill is found in abundance. It also helped them qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals in 2002.
The boss
Their manager, Aliou Cisse, was familiar or friendly with players under his scope as a fairly recently retired international. One of only two African coaches in Russia, the young boss at 42-years-of-age will feel monumentally proud.
Technically they make correct football decisions, in dangerous opposition areas, with a certain aptitude.
New York Times tells us, like Gareth Southgate’s England apprenticeship, Cisse coached national youth teams for two years.
Before another two destroying and rebuilding the senior side with ‘bonhomie.’ Geniality off the pitch is certainly replaced by solidarity and aggressive play on it.
Cisse was publicly upset after his team threw away their lead to Japan. So there are definately defensive questions.
While I cite the prowess of attack, or more convincingly, their breakaways. Senegalese counter-attacks are a thing of beauty: overwhelming for opponents.
Their football is described as ‘controlled or even cerebral’ by the Independent. It will certainly need to be against possibly Belgium or England next round. That is, if a point minimum is gained versus Colombia.