Senegal became the first African team to clinch a win at the 2018 World Cup after it defeated heavy favorite Poland, 2-1, in their Group H showdown.
However, Senegal's victory was marred by controversy when its forward, M'Baye Niang, was allowed by the referee to return to action with his team up, 1-0, after an own goal by Polish defender Thiago Cionek in the 37th minute.
Just after the hour-mark, Niang came out of the game due to an injury. After he was treated, Niang stayed on the sideline as he waited for the referee's signal to enter the game. The referee then saw Niang and waved him back into the game.
Polish midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak, unaware of Niang's return to the field, sent a looping backpass toward his goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczesny. Chaos then ensued as Niang quickly went after the wayward pass.
"This calls for me to run out towards the ball as fast as possible," Szczesny says. Krychowiak allowed his goalkeeper to go after the ball, but he was far too late, allowing Niang to put it into an empty net in the 60th minute, doubling Senegal's lead.
Poland Complained About Unfair Advantage
Poland complained that the referee's decision gave Senegal an unfair advantage. However, there was no way to review the play. Also, the ball was in Senegal's end when the referee gave Niang the cue to return to the field after he was treated for an injury.
Krychowiak atoned for his mistake by scoring in the 86th minute, cutting Senegal's lead in half. However, Senegal toughened up down the stretch en route to victory over a Top 10 team.
By capturing its first win since its victory over Sweden in the Korea/Japan 2002 Round of 16, Senegal grabbed a share of the lead in Group H. Currently, Senegal is tied with Japan with three points each while Colombia and Poland have yet to score a point in the World Cup.
Senegal Tougher, Quicker Than Poland
According to Daniel Karell of NBC Sports, Senegal was the more superior team over Poland. Karell says Senegal used its quickness and physicality over Poland. Also, the Lions of Teranga used their possessions wisely and their swift switching tired their opponents quickly.
Also, the decision of Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse to start defensive midfielder Alfred N'Diaye in place of captain Chekhou Kouyate paid dividends. Senegal's assistant coach Tony Sylva says N'Diaye performed well in previous matches, earning him the trust of Cisse. Also, N'Diaye's ability was needed against the more talented Poland.
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