It would be wrong to suggest that France underestimated Senegal ahead of their opening match of the 2002 World Cup; they barely estimated them at all. France were world champions and European champions, Roger Lemerre and his Bleus aiming to become the first country to win two World Cups with a confederation tournament in between. The French were ready to look magnanimous in victory and then switch focus to more difficult assignments.
By 2002, there were only three domestic-based outfield players in France’s squad; you made it and then you left the country. By contrast, all but two of Senegal’s squad played their football in France. The exceptions were at clubs in Morocco and Senegal. The insinuation was clear: thanks for coming, but the hierarchy is obvious. “One day you might be like us.”
That Senegal team were ranked 42 in the world, higher than Cameroon, Ecuador and Ivory Coast – with their players dotted across Europe’s top five leagues – are now. And yet, 20 years ago, they contained mystique and intrigue. Then, Senegal’s players came to the World Cup to make their name – Henri Camara, El Hadji Diouf, Papa Bouba Diop, Habib Beye. We watched them agog, as if discovering a new culture for the first time.
Was that the last World Cup of mystery? In 2002, only 30 per cent of UK households had the internet. If you wanted to find out about a Sedan midfielder or a Strasbourg defender, you really had to try. By 2006, with household internet coverage above 60 per cent, the information arrived and the World Cup was shaded under its umbrella.
Assisted by that information age, but aided too by the rise of broadcasting revenues, growth of intermediaries in every continent, improvement of academy facilities and vast scouting networks, football’s globalisation programme has taken place. Nowhere is that better seen than in sub-Saharan Africa, where European clubs have worked to identify and develop the best talent in the region.
History comes into play too: African nations have used the Europe-born diaspora to supplement the national team. Eleven of the World Cup squad were born in Europe.
Speaking in the days before England’s last-16 tie, Phil Foden admitted that he didn’t know much about Senegal as a team. That may well be true, but Foden – and others – are becoming increasingly familiar with the individual components. A report last year calculated that Senegal are Africa’s top exporters to Europe’s 11 highest-ranked leagues. This season alone, 23 Senegalese players have appeared in Uefa club competitions. Every member of the squad plays in Europe across nine countries.
More from Football
England's nearly men will find out how close to greatness they are against Senegal03 December, 2022
England's defence has been rejuvenated in Qatar with 'terrific' Maguire back to his best02 December, 2022
South Korea advance and hand Suarez's Uruguay a brutal dose of karma as Swiss reach last 1602 December, 2022The most famous of those players is not here. Sadio Mane is not just a hero in Dakar in the west or Tambacounda in the east, but across sub-Saharan Africa. The Afcon final in Cameroon, became a battle between the giants of north and west Africa, Mohammed Salah and Mane. In Yaounde, Mane was the clear favourite. His absence through injury is devastating not just for Senegal but for those who are desperate for African football to show its best on this stage.
But the loss of Mane has recharged Senegal. With him, opposition coaches knew the likely Plans A and B and thus how to try and suffocate this team. Now Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye are flourishing with their extra responsibility. The spine of the team – Mendy, Koulibaly, Gueye – provide the security and the rest attempt to maximise counter-attacking opportunities. It is effective and it is wonderful to watch.
England are clearly favourites. Senegal are without Mane and are now without Gueye through suspension too. Their opponents have strength in depth and individual quality that surpasses Senegal’s. It would rank alongside that victory in 2002 in the great pantheon of Senegal’s history.
But Senegal wouldn’t have it any other way. It is not patronising to say that everything now is no-lose; that creates a freedom of expression that can be dangerous. They enjoy the sweet spot of upset-causing: developing at a rate beyond most other nations in the world and yet able to enjoy the motivation of underdog status against one of the game’s giants. They’re out to cause mischief; don’t bet against it.
from Football - inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/PyKM9Zo
Post a Comment