Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 16
Senegal Starts Idrissa Gueye, Papa Gueye in World Cup Midfield, Benching Ndiaye
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 16

Senegal Starts Idrissa Gueye, Papa Gueye in World Cup Midfield, Benching Ndiaye

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 16

Summary

  • Senegal opted for Idrissa Gueye and Papa Gueye in midfield for their World Cup opener against France, leaving Pape Matar Sarr out of the starting trio.
  • Iliman Ndiaye was also named on the bench, with Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr retaining Senegal’s wide attacking roles.
  • The selection sharpens Senegal’s pre-match shape after the confirmed lineups showed Mane, Koulibaly and Mendy starting against a France side led by Kylian Mbappe.

Insights

Will an injured defender and a leaky backline derail France's quest for a third consecutive World Cup final?
Can Senegal's red-hot attack exploit France's defensive frailties for a repeat of their historic 2002 upset?