Pape Thiaw says Senegal can't afford mistakes against Norway in World Cup ‘final’

The Lions of Teranga kicked off their Group I campaign with a 3-1 defeat against France, and a defeat against Norway will end their journey in the tournament with a match to spare.

Ahead of the fixture, coach Thiaw has stressed the importance of the game while confirming his team has prepared for the challenge and are determined to secure their first win of the tournament this campaign.

Senegal determined to get victory

“It’s going to be a tough match, but we've prepared well. We’ve scouted Norway closely to see their strengths and weaknesses,” Thiaw told reporters ahead of the game as quoted by Wiw Sport.

“It's an important match, a final for us, because we know a negative result could cost us a place in the next round. Norway is a very good team, very strong offensively and athletically.

“But we’ve prepared for this challenge and are determined to get the win.”

Thiaw added: “We knew we were in a tough group. Every match is a final. We messed up the first one against France, but we still have two chances. Now we can't afford any more mistakes.

“Everyone is fit and eager to give their all and make our people proud. The players are ready. The team is ready.”

On whether Senegal are ambitious to qualify from the group despite the defeat against France, Thiaw said: “We know we stumbled in the first match. We can't afford any more mistakes.

“We have to get points to have any chance of qualifying for the round of 32. That will start with this match against Norway, which will be very difficult, just like the previous match against France.

“We've reviewed that match thoroughly. We saw our mistakes and we want to correct them. Now, we're determined for tomorrow’s (Monday’s) match, eager to make our fans proud and continue in the competition.”

'There won't be an anti-Haaland plan’

Norway kicked off their campaign with a 4-1 victory against Iraq, and two of the goals were scored by Manchester City forward Erling Haaland. The 25-year-old scored in the 29th and 43rd minutes to help Norway top the group.

Asked how Senegal are prepared to handle Haaland, Thiaw responded: “Erling needs no introduction. He’s a great striker, but there won’t be an anti-Haaland plan. There will be an anti-Norway plan.

We have top-level defenders who have played in very high-level competitions and have had to face strikers of this calibre.

“The objective is to get those points, but when you’re up against a player like Erling Haaland, who is very effective, it’s certain that we’ll have to be careful. But the most important thing remains Norway.”

Thiaw further confirmed Senegal had done more than enough to study Norway, especially their win against Iraq, insisting they have identified their weaknesses and strengths.

“There weren’t any video analysts present, but we followed the match from a wide perspective. That's also important. And I think nothing escapes notice when you have relevant video analysts to dissect the Norwegian team,” offered Thiaw.

“Having someone in the stadium provides a different view; there wasn't one for the Norway vs Iraq match, but we did our job well. We identified their weaknesses and their strengths.”

Thiaw further confirmed there were issues within the team but went ahead to assure that everything was back in order.

“Yes, it’s true there have been some issues. But we’re here, the staff, the players, and the Federation,” explained Thiaw.

“We’re focused on the pitch and on tomorrow’s match. I think that’s the most important thing.

"My contract? It’s settled. It took too long. But I must clarify that it was never about money, but rather a matter of principle and respect.”

Thiaw concluded: “As a Senegalese, patriotism comes first. Once I put on this tracksuit, I forget all about the contract.

“But there are things that need to be done. It was done late. After that, these are things that remain internal. The contract is confidential. If the details of my contract need to be revealed, it won't be me who does it.

“The most important thing is my people. We have an important match and we're focused on that.”

After playing Norway, Senegal will wind up their group matches against Iraq on June 26th at Toronto Stadium.