· 2 min readIn this France vs Senegal match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
This was one of those matches that promised much more than just the result. France arrived as clear favourites, packed with talent, while Senegal had no intention of making up the numbers and showed exactly that from the opening whistle.
The first few minutes were almost surprising. Senegal looked more aggressive, more engaged and stronger in midfield duels, refusing to let France settle. The French side had possession at times, but always seemed uncomfortable, unable to connect their play naturally. Mbappé was virtually absent from the game, controlled extremely well.
And Senegal started to believe. On a quick counter-attack, Nicolas Jackson burst down the left, beat Upamecano with quality and unleashed a powerful shot. The ball struck the post, clipped Maignan and somehow stayed out. It was the first major warning sign.
France, meanwhile, took a long time to get going. When space appeared, they made poor decisions. When they accelerated, the precision was missing. It was a team full of talent but lacking fluency. That became increasingly obvious as half-time approached, with Senegal looking far more comfortable than expected.
Before the break, Senegal wasted a huge opportunity. Mané did well down the left and delivered a cross into the middle where Ismaïla Sarr arrived in a perfect position. All he needed was a simple finish, but he lifted the ball too high. It was one of those moments that can change games at this level.
The second half brought a different France. More direct, more aware of what needed to be done. And this was when one of the key names of the match began to emerge: Olise. Every time he touched the ball, something seemed to happen.
After a few warning signs, the decisive moment arrived in the 66th minute. Olise received possession, looked up and delivered an outrageous pass in behind the defence. Mbappé timed his run perfectly, controlled the ball in stride and finished with class, leaving Mendy helpless. A goal built on pure talent, the kind that decides difficult matches.
Senegal tried to respond and even found the net shortly afterwards through Jackson, who fired home emphatically, but the flag was already up for offside. The goal did not count, but it served as a reminder that the match was far from over.
France, now in control, took advantage of their momentum. In the 82nd minute, Rabiot drove forward with space and found Barcola with a perfectly weighted pass. The winger burst through and, one-on-one with Mendy, delicately lifted the ball over him. A composed and expertly executed finish that seemed to put the game beyond doubt.
But there was still one final twist. Deep into stoppage time, at 90+5 minutes, France completely switched off defensively. A ball into the area was not dealt with and Mbaye capitalised to pull one back. It was a clear defensive mistake, particularly from Maignan. 2-1.
And just when it felt like there might be late drama, France responded immediately. At 90+6, Mbappé picked up the ball well outside the box, faced little resistance and unleashed a thunderous strike. A powerful, clean effort that flew straight into the net. A spectacular goal to finish the contest.
Post-match
France won, but did not completely convince. They relied heavily on moments of individual brilliance to unlock a match in which they looked uncomfortable for long periods. However, their second-half performance was much more convincing and showed the quality they are capable of producing.
Senegal leave with the feeling that they could have achieved more, especially considering how impressive they were during the first half.
