Senegal vs Poland
The game, as with all the others thus far, was marked by good sportsmanship
The Lions of Teranga were re-dubbed the Pride of Africa as Senegal sank Poland 2-1 at the Spartak Stadium on Tuesday evening.
And although the perpetual quarter finalists came into the game in the latter stages, it was the African champions who dominated for large sections of the Group H encounter.
The first stanza was all Senegal, who were faster and physically stronger in the 50-50 contests, winning virtually everything in the air as well as the second balls.
They created plenty of chances, but the goal (when it did come in the 37th minute) was courtesy of a lucky (or unlucky, if you are Polish) deflection off Cionek that gave his keeper no chance.
Senegal grew in confidence after that goal and went into the break brimming with confidence.
Poland, on the contrary, looked frustrated – especially at the fact the Senegalese had taken Polish play-maker Lewandowski out of the game through clever marking.
Senegal extended their lead in somewhat controversial fashion when Niane was allowed back on the field following his injury and promptly latched onto an outrageously sloppy back pass to bundle the ball into the back of the net.
Poland got one back from a headed corner, but were unable to stem the sands of time and became the second of the group’s favourites to go through – the other being Colombia – to emerge pointless after their first match.
PS: The game, as with all the others thus far, was marked by good sportsmanship.
But expect that to change as the tournament gets to the sharp end!
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