World Cup Round of 32 (29) | Senegal: No longer mysterious "Tranga Lions" hope to write a new chapter with strength

Accra, Xinhua News Agency, June 6 Title: Senegal team - no longer mysterious "Tranga Lion" hopes to write a new chapter with strength

Xinhua News Agency reporter Shi Song

At the World Cup in South Korea and Japan 16 years ago, Senegal, which reached the main world cup for the first time, miraculously reached the quarterfinals. Fans around the world remember Diop's goal in the opener, the unruly Diouf, Camara, who scored the winning "Golden Ball" against Sweden, and of course, the long-haired manager Mechu.

Sixteen years later, in the World Cup in Russia, the captain of the glorious division, Cisse, has become the current manager of the Senegalese team, leading a more mature and stable new generation of "Tranga Lions" and hoping to make a comeback.

No longer a "mystic"

After the World Cup in South Korea and Japan, Senegalese football did not usher in the expected prosperity, but fell into a long silence. After missing three consecutive World Cups, Senegalese football has finally waited for a long-lost talent explosion: many players represented by Mane have emerged in the mainstream leagues in Europe. In the 23-man roster for russia, all the players except goalkeeper Ha Ndiaye are working hard in Europe.

Unlike the "mysterious division" at the World Cup in South Korea and Japan, the new generation of Senegalese players is far better than in the past, both in terms of strength and popularity. Fans familiar with the Premier League can even see the signs from the players who lost the 23-man squad: Newcastle midfielder Diame, Crystal Palace full-back Soarre and Everton striker Nias.

In the group stage competition with South Africa, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde, Mane, Koulibaly, Keita Balde and other Players from Europe played well, helping Senegal to qualify with an unbeaten record of 4 wins and 2 draws.

In the upcoming World Cup in Russia, Senegal is in Group H with Colombia, Poland and Japan, and the captain of the team, Premier League Midfielder West Ham United, Kuyat, said the team will fight for the people of Senegal and write "our own story" in Russia.

Head Coach Cisse: Grew from captain to coach

In 2015, Cisse, who was less than 40 years old, was appointed head coach of Senegal. He did not yet have experience as head coach in any of the senior national teams, but as captain of Senegal at the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, Cisse quickly established his prestige in the national team's locker room.

In 2017, Cissé led Senegal to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, and although he lost to the final champion Cameroon on penalties in the quarter-finals, the performance of the whole team was widely recognized. Cisse also established the attacking core with Mane as the core at that time, relying on the physique and speed of the midfield to "defend and counterattack". In terms of formation, Cisse is more likely to use 4-3-3, with Koulibaly sitting in the back, and the midfield is handed over to Cuyat and Geye, who can attack and defend, and Mane and Balde are separated by two wings.

Judging from the actual combat effect of the qualifiers, although the Senegalese team has outstanding individual ability, the overall offensive and defensive grinding and integration are not perfect, and there is often a situation where the operation from defense to attack is not smooth, and the offensive players fight for themselves. At this point, Cissé still has a lot of work to do.

Main squad and stars

This season, Mane again reached the top four of the Premier League with Liverpool and finished runners-up in the Champions League, scoring 10 goals in the Premier League and champions league. In the 2017 African Footballer of the Year awards, Mane finished second only to his club teammate Salah. His speed and breakthrough are undoubtedly the most reliant offensive means for senegal.

In addition, Napoli centre-back Koulibaly has made 45 appearances for the club this season, becoming one of the hottest centre-backs in Serie A with his excellent performances. Guée has been second in the Premier League's steals list with an average of 3.5 steals per game this season, and the energy he has brought to Everton's midfield cannot be ignored.

Judging from the performance in the qualifiers, Ha Ndiaye, who has appeared 4 times, has more trust from the manager and may become the starting goalkeeper. In the centre-backs, Koulibaly, Carla Mboggi and Sarif Sane are important players, while Gassama from the Turkish league and Sabali from Bordeaux may be able to take the lead at full-backs.

In midfield, Cuyat and Guye will occupy two main positions, with Bar Ndiaye from Stoke City looking to be their partner. Mane and rising star Keita Balde, who plays for Monaco, will be separated on both wings, and the main center position will be created by the competition between veteran Souw and Sacco. In addition, Wren winger Sal, who is only 20 years old, is also one of the newcomers who have attracted much attention in this tournament.