World Cup 2022: Senegal fall to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Netherlands in Group A
Ismala Sarr’s 2022 World Cup campaign got off to a rough start on Monday as Senegal lost 2-0 to the Netherlands in Group A as a result of two late goals on November 21.
At the Al-Thumama Stadium, 24-year-old Hornets star Sarr played the whole 90 minutes for the Lions of Teranga and posed one of the biggest threats to Andries Noppert’s goal the entire time.
Votre avis sur le match d’hier? #football #senegal #worldcup pic.twitter.com/eONJwEz1tD
— Football Senegal (@FootballSenegal) November 22, 2022
The dynamic forward, who has six goals in 17 games for Watford this season, was involved in more shot-creating actions than any other player on the field during the first half (four – two shots, two chances created). He continued to pose difficulties for Bayern Munich goalkeeper Matthijs de Ligt after the break.
Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch the lead in the 84th minute, and then substitute Davy Klaasen pounced on a rebound from Memphis Depay’s attempt to add a second deep into stoppage time to gloss the scoreline. However, Aliou Cissé’s team ultimately paid the price for failing to capitalise in front of goal.
Senegal will attempt to rebound against the tournament hosts on Friday in order to tie Qatar for top place in the standings after one game; Qatar’s first game ended in a 2-0 loss to Ecuador on Sunday.
Merci capitaine | préparation pour le prochain match | on lache rien #football #senegal #worldcup pic.twitter.com/VSnMlQsMSW
— Football Senegal (@FootballSenegal) November 21, 2022
Sarr and his squad play Ecuador in their last group game on Tuesday, November 29, so a win there might be crucial to their chances of moving on to the knockout rounds.
In other international friendly action over the weekend, Francisco Sierralta, a teammate of Sarr’s from their club, came on as a late replacement to help Chile keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw away against Slovakia.
The 25-year-old, who has one goal in 15 appearances for Watford in 2022/23 and began for his nation in their close 1-0 loss to Poland on Wednesday November 16, entered the pitch in Bratislava in the 83rd minute as neither team was eventually able to score.
In the meanwhile, Sweden defeated Algeria 2-0 in Malmö on Saturday, with goals from Emil Forsberg and Viktor Claesson sealing the victory for the hosts. Ken Sema was an unutilized replacement.
Sema, 29, made his first appearance for his country since 2021 in a 2-1 victory over Mexico last Wednesday. He has participated in every Golden Boys match so far this season.
