Finally a win for an African team in the Match day 1 of the group stages, as Mbaye Niang scored the winner to give Senegal all 3 points in their opening match of the campaign.
The game started with Poland having more of the ball but not really threatening, while the West Africans sat back in search for a break. After the first 10 minutes the game balanced out and it was end to end with no real threat on goal from either side. The surprise breakthrough came in the 37th minute for Senegal from an Idrissa Gueye 25 yards strike aided by a huge deflection by Thiago Cionek. 1-0 senegal.
It was almost a second from Senegal in less than 5 minutes when Sane headed wide the ball from a Niang corner. There was no shot on target for either team in the first 45 minutes but there was a goal at half time it was Senegal 1 - Poland 0.
Poland started the second half with a lot more focus and energy. Lewandowski saw his beautiful freekick saved by Khadim N’Diaye after winning a foul around the area. The West African side did not hold back as well when Diouf could have made it 2 from a lovely cut back but stumbled over the ball allowing Piszcek clear it away. Piszcek again on the other end could have drawn it level for Poland but volleyed wide a cross from Rybus. Against the run of play Senegal got their second goal through a controversial Niang in the 60th minute; Niang was at the side line after been taken off due to small knock, just as he got cleared by the assistant referee to come in, Krychowlak was attempting a high back pass to his keeper which Niang anticipated and chased down beating the nearest defender and goal keeper to the ball and scoring Senegal’s second goal.
Poland had more sense of urgency and direction in their game after the second goal going close on several occasions but getting denied. A goal came finally in the 86th minute for Poland when Krychowiak rose highest to head home a fine free kick, 2-1 Senegal. As usual the polish came out in full force to get the equaliser but it was a little too late as the match drew to a close with Senegal blocking every possible threat to claim their first win in the World Cup sine 2002.
Poland have a lot to worry about going into their next game against Columbia who are desperately in need of a win after falling to an unfortunate loss against japan. They must start their other group stage matches with more sense of urgency and try to avoid careless mistakes.
Senegal would look to build on the Victory against what seemed like the toughest opposition in the group coming into the World Cup
MAN OF THE MATCH: Salif Sane, he was ever present at the back for Senegal and did his Job of marking out Robert Lewandowski to perfection.
Writer: Pamilern Daniels (20/6/2018)
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