Senegal must beat Belgium, says Pape Thiaw

Pape Thiaw has called on Senegal to beat Belgium in Wednesday night’s World Cup last-16 tie if they are to reach the tournament’s final eight.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the Senegal coach said his team had travelled a long way to get this far and had recovered their confidence and level. He added that there are still areas to improve, and that Senegal must make fewer mistakes against Belgium.

Thiaw said he remains wary of Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard, describing Belgium as a strong side with major individual talent and good collective structure. He also pointed to Senegal’s own progress through a difficult group, which included France, Norway and Iraq.

Senegal, he said, arrived at the World Cup to make an impact despite a difficult spell before the tournament. Now, with a new phase beginning, there is no room for error and only a win will keep them in the competition.