Senegal is set to battle against Iraq at Toronto Stadium on Friday in an effort to recover from back-to-back losses in their first two Group I matches, and with their Round of 32 hopes in the balance. Both nations will meet for the first time in football history. (Photo Senegalese Federation)
Senegal has opened with two defeats
The Lions of Teranga started their World Cup run at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 16 with a 3-1 loss to France, as Kylian Mbappé introduced himself to the world with a brace against the African powerhouse.
Things got even worse for Senegal after that as they lost 3-2 to Norway on the same fields on June 23. Their losing streak dropped them to zero points in third place, while Iraq is fourth in Group I before Friday’s match.
The Opponent – opening on 17 June, Iraq played Norway and suffered a 4-1 loss at the Boston Stadium; Aymen Hussein scored for his country.
The Lions of Mesopotamia, as they are lovingly known, then faced 2022 finalists France at the Philadelphia Stadium on June 22 and lost 3-0 thanks to goals from Mbappe (2) and Ousmane Dembele.
Senegal’s head coach reflects and looks ahead
Pape Thiaw thinks his team has not failed at the competition, even if they lost their first two games, as Senegal is set to qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.
“We have one game left, and we need to concentrate on this last game, try it, get three points, then cross our fingers,” Thiaw added. “I suppose it’s a little too early to declare we failed. We’re not dead; rather, we’re living.
This is the first time Senegal has opened a World Cup season with two losses; we are not in a strong situation. However, we still have a chance to qualify; therefore, we will concentrate on the final game.
We hope to go through and wish to try to get those three points. Once you make it to the following round, it’s yet another tournament beginning.
