Well played, well deserved win: Even without the injured superstar Sadio Mané from FC Bayern, the Senegal national soccer team reached the World Cup round of 16 for the first time since 2002.
The Africans beat Ecuador 2-1 (1-0) in a kind of final. In the knockout stage, the ‘Lions of Teranga’, who are runners-up in group, meet the winners of Group B, England.
Captain Kalidou Koulibaly sent his team and their drumming fans into a frenzy with his goal in the 70th minute, shortly after Moises Caicedo had scored the somewhat surprising equalizer (67th).
The Senegalese were overwhelmingly superior, especially in the first half, but missed too many chances. They needed a penalty to take the lead: Ismaila Sarr, fouled by Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie, scored coolly (44′).
Sarr rewards constant pressure from Senegalese
It was clear from the start: the Senegalese had to win in order to reach the knockout stage safely and like they did 20 years ago – at that time they were even in the quarter-finals at the World Cup in South Korea and Japan, but failed there at the hands of Turkey. They started briskly, but in their furious first half they missed the goal far too often in twelve shots.
In fact, the first opportunity to take the lead was good: Idrissa Gueye finished in a good position in the penalty area, but missed the ball (3′). Shortly thereafter, a shot from Boulaye Dia flew wide of the goal on the left after a pass from Youssouf Sabaly (8′). Sarr’s slightly deflected shot also didn’t land in the net (24′).
Ecuador seemed overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the Senegalese, who made a lot out of their superiority in possession, attacked thoughtfully and with beautiful combinations – only the redeeming goal didn’t want to come at first. The penalty converted coolly by Sarr seemed like a salvation.
Senegal only briefly shocked after equalizing
Ecuador was only able to free itself from the pressure for short periods. The African champion defended too disciplined and determined. Enner Valencia, who scored three of Ecuador’s last six World Cup goals, remained largely harmless.
That changed a bit in the second half, now Ecuador needed a goal. The South Americans were more active now but didn’t find a dangerous finish either – until suddenly Caicedo took his side’s first real chance. The Senegalese, however, only seemed shocked for a moment: Koulibaly was spot on after a free kick.
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