Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw believes his side’s dominant 5-0 victory over Iraq showed they had learned valuable lessons from their earlier defeat to France, insisting tactical adjustments and improved execution were key to their biggest performance of the FIFA World Cup.
The Lions of Teranga kept their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive with an emphatic victory over Iraq, although qualification now depends on results elsewhere.
Reflecting on the campaign so far, Thiaw admitted Senegal had fallen below their usual standards in previous matches, particularly against France, but said the coaching staff had worked hard to correct those shortcomings before facing Iraq.
“I wouldn’t say everything against France was bad because we played well for about 60 minutes,” Thiaw told reporters after the match.
“But those games are behind us now.”
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The Senegal coach explained that his side had rediscovered the identity that has made them one of Africa’s strongest national teams.
“Those who know Senegal know that we are a team that likes to have the ball and press when we don’t have it,” he said.
“When our lines were stretched, it cost us goals. Technically, we also struggled in certain phases of the game.”
Thiaw revealed that the coaching staff carefully analysed Senegal’s earlier performances before implementing tactical improvements that were evident against Iraq.
“We watched the matches again, analysed them and corrected what needed to be corrected,” he explained.
“Today I think it paid off.”
The improvements were particularly evident after the interval as Senegal overwhelmed a 10-man Iraq side, scoring four second-half goals through Ismaila Sarr, substitute Pape Gueye, who struck twice, and Iliman Ndiaye.
The coach also highlighted improvements in technical execution, describing precision and attention to detail as decisive factors behind the convincing win.
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Despite the comprehensive scoreline, Thiaw refused to suggest Senegal had produced the perfect performance.
Instead, he stressed there remained aspects of the team’s play that required further refinement should they progress beyond the group stage.
“Even if we won 5-0, there are still things we have to correct,” he admitted.
“If we remain in the competition, we will continue working on those areas.”
Senegal now face an anxious wait as they hope their five-goal victory and improved goal difference will be enough to secure one of the best third-placed qualification spots for the knockout rounds.
