This defensive discipline, bolstered by the constant tracking back of Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr, neutralized the French attack for the first 45 minutes. Up front, Nicolas Jackson distinguished himself with remarkable work, serving as a focal point and disrupting the opposition’s build-up play. However, a chronic lack of efficiency in the final third proved glaringly unfavorable for Senegal. Ismaïla Sarr, despite several duels against Dayot Upamecano, lacked the final touch, too often opting to dribble past defenders instead of delivering crosses while on the move. At this level of competition, failing to capitalize on periods of dominance proves fatal.

The second half exposed the Senegalese team’s physical shortcomings and management errors. From the very start of the second half, the Lions’ midfield was completely overwhelmed by the French pressure. Didier Deschamps’ tactical adjustment turned the game around: seeing the flanks completely blocked, the French coach instructed his players to focus their attacks through the middle, where Senegal’s physical decline became glaringly apparent.

Easy turnovers then multiplied, particularly from Lamine Camara and Habib Diarra. In the 52nd minute, Édouard Mendy had to make a miraculous save in a one-on-one situation to keep his team in the game, confirming his status as a top goalkeeper. But the collapse was inevitable. Kalidou Koulibaly, slow to react, and Gana Gueye, visibly exhausted, were no longer able to plug the gaps. Senegal crumbled collectively, conceding three goals that revealed a clear tactical and athletic decline.

Observers, like journalist Nabil Djellit, were particularly critical of Pape Thiaw, pointing to his lack of responsiveness. The substitutions, made only after the 55th minute, were deemed far too late to reverse the trend as the team withstood wave after wave of attacks. The only glimmer of hope in this difficult second half was Ibrahim’s performance, who became the youngest Senegalese goalscorer in World Cup history, demonstrating remarkable consistency.

With this defeat, Senegal already finds itself with its back against the wall. To have any hope of advancing to the next round, the calculations are simple: they must turn things around and secure at least four points in their next two group matches against Norway and Iraq. Pape Thiaw will need to inject more directness, fresher physicality, and make significant adjustments to his starting eleven. The sacred union and solidarity remain the order of the day around the Lions, but the right to make mistakes has already expired.