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On Sunday, Japan sealed a 2-2 draw against Senegal in Yekaterinburg, to make sure the two teams were not sure of their 16th place before the final round of the Group H clashes.
The Teranga Lions started the match in the same vein as they had played their first game against Poland, but they lost their initiative as the competition continued and they were under the influence of 39, much of the second half.
positives
There were moments of excellent interaction between Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr, while the backs – Moussa Wague and Youssouf Sabaly – were both excellent.
Mbaye Niang's finish left much to be desired at times, but it was an excellent foil for the more subtle strikers, and also created opportunities for his teammates.
negatives
Unfortunately, Senegal did not exploit its strengths and, surprisingly, did not take the initiative against a Japan that was poor for the long periods of its first match against Colombia.
Their passing was too often careless, their finish was disappointing – five shots from the target – and they struggled technically, especially when Japan started using the ball more quickly during the second period.
Offensively, parts of Senegal must also improve.
Manager's note (out of 10):
6 – Aliou Cisse featured Badou Ndiaye for Mame Biram Diouf as the only change to the side that started the opening match against Poland. It was something of a negative change, with Cisse seeking to strengthen the midfield against the supposed technical advantage of Japan.
It might have been better to introduce another fast and powerful runner to the front line and encourage Lions to play with the same frankness and dynamism as for Poland.
As Japan took control after the break, Cisse's only strategy seemed to be to introduce Chiekhou Kouyate and Chiekh Ndoye to add more presence to the midfield.
The player's notes (1-10, with the top 10. The players presented after 70 minutes do not get any notes):
GK Khadim N & # 39; Diaye, 5 – Hands sure to deny 15 early in the second half, and was unlucky enough to have been deceived by a deflection for Japan's first equalizer.
However, he was horribly caught up for second place in Japan after failing to claim a cross, although Salif Sane must take some of the blame.
DF Youssef Sabaly, 8 – Once again, he made a significant contribution by helping with the opening of Mane and worked tirelessly all day.
His technical skill has shone in comparison to some of his teammates, especially with a delightful lap to find a place in the preparation of second place in Senegal.
DF Salif Sane, 7 – Communication was lacking in Diaye for the second, not as compelling as it had been against Poland facing another type of threat.
Nevertheless, it was another strong demonstration and he won a whopping nine aerial battles.
DF Kalidou Koulibaly, 6 – Better on the ground than his defensive partner, but not as commander. Too often, he left his position to follow Osako and left the disorganization behind him!
DF Moussa Wague, 8 – Another encouraging showing from the right back, at least forward and he was the hero of the hour after scoring the second goal of the Lions.
His crossing was tested throughout the race, especially for the first match of Senegal, although he was caught up slightly for Japan's equalizer and that too much fell on him during the race. second period.
Nobody on the park has created more chances to score than the young back.
MF Idrissa Gueye, 6 – A silent display by the central midfielder. He saw a lot of the ball when Senegal was in possession, but he was bypassed worryingly easily when Japan was in full flow.
MF Alfred N & # 39; Diaye, 6 – Not particularly influential, and Japan too often played through it before being replaced just after the hour.
MF Badou NDiaye, 6 – Introduced to the side at the expense of Diouf, and while he was working hard defensively – he made two interceptions – his finish dropped when he was found in a promising position.
FW Sadio Mane, 7 – He was far more influential than he had been in Senegal's opening match, even though most of his best work was done in a slightly deeper role.
His anticipation and positioning allowed him to take advantage of Kawashima's mistake to score the opening scoring, and he scored three fouls from the opponent and created two scoring chances.
FW Mbaye Niang, 7 – Led the line alone, and has proved a handful for Japan's backline with its power.
A decisive effort from the left foot saved in the first half after being played by Ndiaye, and shot straight at Kawashima after the break.
While he was frustrated by the attentions of the Japanese defenders, he still played a vital role in the winning goal and created three scoring opportunities.
FW Ismaila Sarr, 7 – Another brilliant demonstration of the factor. He was involved in the interaction for the opening match of Senegal, and later, Kawashima saved the effort after being caught up with Wague on the right flank.
substitutes
MF Cheikhou Kouyate, 6 – Introduced in the 65th minute, Cissé sought to regain control of the midfield and to restrain a Japanese side that was on the upside.
MF Sheikh Ndoye, N / R
FW Mame Biram Diouf, N / R
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