Record, dribbles and dilemma: PSG jewel Mbaye becomes a headache for Thiaw
Mbaye, 18, breaks record, but Senegal loses to France. Coach Thiaw has a starting dilemma before the decisive duel against Norway.
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Ibrahim Mbaye, PSG's 18-year-old jewel, became the youngest African to score a goal in World Cups, but his electric performance was not enough to prevent Senegal's 3-1 defeat to France, this Tuesday (16). The result leaves the Lions of Teranga under pressure in Group A, before the decisive duel against Norway. Senegal dominated the first half with intensity: Nicolas Jackson hit the post, and Ismaïla Sarr missed a clear chance.
The team looked superior, but fell physically in the final stage. It was there that France showed its strength. Michael Olise provided a brilliant assist for Kylian Mbappé to open the scoring.
Eduardo Camavinga extended, and Randal Kolo Muani added the third. Sadio Mané scored from the penalty spot in stoppage time, but the score didn't change. Mbaye came on in the second half and, in just a few minutes, showed why he is considered Senegalese's greatest promise.
He dribbled, accelerated, appeared in the box and scored a historic goal – surpassing the records of Samuel Eto'o and Mohamed Salah as the youngest African to find the net in a World Cup. The luxurious performance created a dilemma for coach Pape Thiaw: to choose the prodigy alongside Mané and Jackson in attack? The immediate reaction from fans and the press is enthusiasm for Mbaye, but also criticism of Thiaw's tactical system.
The team creates, but does not finish. Mbaye could be the solution, but changing the starting structure is risky. The next test is against Norway, in a game that could define Senegal's future in the tournament.
Thiaw will have to decide whether to bet on the boy from the beginning or remain cautious. Read at Trivela
Why this matters
Mbaye not only broke a continental weight record — surpassing Eto'o and Salah's marks — but also exposed Senegal's tactical weakness: the team creates, but doesn't finish. The boy's rise could force Thiaw to review the scheme, using the prodigy alongside Mané and Jackson against Norway. If ownership is confirmed, the Senegalese attack will gain a new dimension of speed and unpredictability. But the defensive structure is still a concern, and the coach will have to balance youth and experience in a do-or-die game.
Frequently asked
- How old is Ibrahim Mbaye?
- Ibrahim Mbaye is 18 years old. He is a PSG striker and became the youngest African to score in a World Cup, surpassing the records of Samuel Eto'o and Mohamed Salah.
- Which record did Mbaye break?
- Mbaye broke the record for the youngest African player to score at a World Cup. The previous record belonged to Samuel Eto'o (20 years in 1998) and then Mohamed Salah (19 years in 2018). Mbaye scored at 18 years and 44 days.
- Who scored France's goals?
- France's goals were scored by Kylian Mbappé (assisted by Michael Olise), Eduardo Camavinga and Randal Kolo Muani. Sadio Mané scored a penalty for Senegal in stoppage time.
- What is Senegal's next game?
- Senegal's next game is against Norway, in the second round of Group A. The match is decisive for the Teranga Lions' qualification aspirations.
- Should Mbaye start against Norway?
- Mbaye's performance created a dilemma for coach Pape Thiaw. The press and fans are pushing for the starting line-up, but Thiaw has not yet confirmed the lineup. The boy proved that he can be useful coming off the bench, but his presence from the start could unbalance.
Source
- Recorde, dribles e dilema para Senegal: Joia do PSG assustou a França na Copa do Mundo
Trivelatrivela.com.brBy Alexis PereiraJun 17, 12:30 AMpt
