"It wouldn't be a surprise if we beat France": the Senegalese coach sets the tone

Q: “France is the favorite,” but Senegal is not hiding

Pape Thiaw didn't deny the current hierarchy. "France is the favorite," he acknowledged. Les Bleus remain one of the world's best, with a deep, experienced squad accustomed to major tournaments. But the Senegalese coach refuses to reduce his team to the role of a likeable underdog. Senegal, according to him, has what it takes. "Our team was African champion," he reminded everyone, before emphasizing the continuity of the Senegalese project: "We've qualified for the World Cup for the third time in a row."

Q: "African Champion": Senegal asserts its status

Pape Thiaw also emphasized his team's standing. By reminding everyone that Senegal were "African champions," he wanted to remind them that the Lions were not to be underestimated. The coach also highlighted the consistency of his squad. "We've qualified for the World Cup for the third time in a row," he reiterated. For him, this run confirms that Senegal's rise to the top is no accident.

Q: France warned before the clash

Facing Les Bleus, Senegal will have to respond on the pitch. But even before kickoff, Pape Thiaw has already set the tone. "France are the favorites," yes. But Senegal isn't going into the match with fear. Didier Deschamps even acknowledged yesterday that tonight's opponent is of a very high caliber.

Before facing France in the World Cup tonight at 21pm, Pape Thiaw, the coach of Senegal, outlined his ambitions: "It wouldn't be a surprise if we beat France.""He declared at a press conference. A statement that sums up the Senegalese mindset before this clash against Les Bleus."

"France is the favorite"But Senegal is not hiding

Pape Thiaw did not deny the hierarchy of the moment. "France is the favorite"He acknowledged this. The French national team remains one of the world's best, with a deep, experienced squad accustomed to major tournaments. But the Senegalese coach refuses to reduce his team to the role of a likeable underdog. According to him, Senegal has what it takes. "Our team were African champions."he recalled, before emphasizing the continuity of the Senegalese project: "We have qualified for the World Cup for the third time in a row."

A speech of confidence

Pape Thiaw's statement is no bluff. Senegal has established itself among the strongest African teams. The country has gained consistency, experience, and credibility on the international stage. To assert that beating France would be "Not a surprise"Thiaw asserts that Senegal no longer wants to be seen as a team capable only of simply hindering the great nations.

The memory of 2002 hangs over the poster.

It's impossible to talk about a France-Senegal World Cup match without going back to May 31, 2002. On that day, Senegal beat France 1-0 in the opening match of the World Cup. A historic result, which has become one of the biggest upsets in the competition's recent history. Pape Thiaw knows this precedent from the inside. He was part of the Senegalese squad in 2002; 24 years later, he's back with Les Bleus in a different role: that of manager.

"African Champion" Senegal is asserting its status

Pape Thiaw also emphasized his team's ranking, recalling that Senegal had been "African champion"He wanted to remind everyone that the Lions were not to be underestimated. The coach also highlighted the consistency of his team. "We have qualified for the World Cup for the third time in a row."he repeated. For him, this journey confirms that Senegal does not reach the highest level by chance.

France warned before the clash

Against Les Bleus, Senegal will have to respond on the pitch. But even before kick-off, Pape Thiaw has already set the tone. "France is the favorite"Yes. But Senegal is not moving forward with fear. Didier deschamps he also acknowledged yesterday that Tonight's opponent was of a very high level.

Kick-off at 21pm, to be followed live on M6 and beIN sports.