Twenty-four years after the memorable Senegalese victory against a French team, reigning world and European champions, in the first round of the 2002 World Cup (1-0), the two nations are about to meet again at the 2026 World Cup. For some, the Blues are not sufficiently suspicious before this new France-Senegal.
Faced with the Lions of Terranga who have been stripped (for the moment) of their African champion title gleaned against Morocco during the last African Cup of Nations, the French could therefore be surprised. This is the theory put forward by Bruno Salomon this Thursday.
For the journalist from ICI Paris ĂŽle-de-France, Didier Deschamps’ players would be well advised to be as wary of the Senegalese as possible, so as not to suffer the same fate as their predecessors in 2002. “Quite frankly, on paper, this Senegal team is the worst in the first match. Because what’s more, they are on a mission. (…) What happened to them, having the cup taken away, being humiliated on television, don’t worry, they will arrive and the surplus will be there. »
France “not ready” against Senegal?
The columnist for the L’Équipe channel then asked questions.
“The French, are we going to be ready to respond to the tactical and physical challenge? (…) In a first match, this team is going to be really complicated to take on. » And to continue with a verdict that is worrying to say the least: “I ask the question. Because I don’t think we’re ready to really take it on. »
In conclusion, the observer agreed with those who do not think like him. “We will meet again in this match. No worries. We can be light at the start of the competition and we may not be ready to take this Senegal team on a mission. » In any case, the appointment is made.
