Senegal

Senegal

Senegal have won three of their last six matches, but defensive frailty has cost them dearly against stronger opposition. They beat Gambia 3-1 and Iraq 5-0 at home, yet conceded nine goals across defeats to Belgium, Norway, France and the USA.

Recent Form

The pattern is stark. Senegal dismantled Iraq 5-0 and edged past Gambia 3-1, showing attacking threat when facing weaker sides. Against top-tier opponents the picture darkens. Belgium beat them 3-2, Norway won 3-2, France triumphed 3-1 and the USA prevailed 3-2. Four consecutive defeats to established nations, each by a single goal or two, suggests a team that can compete but cannot sustain concentration when tested at pace.

The 3-2 losses to Belgium, Norway and the USA are particularly telling. Senegal scored in each but leaked goals at crucial moments. France's 3-1 victory shows the same vulnerability - they found the net once but conceded three. Against Gambia and Iraq, Senegal controlled proceedings and converted chances. The gap between those performances and what happens against genuine opposition is the real issue here. They have the ability to score freely. Keeping clean sheets, or even staying compact under pressure, remains the work ahead.