The game and the players: Pape Guèye brilliant, Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye decisive

In a completely dominant performance, Senegal crushed Iraq 5-0. Against an Iraqi side quickly reduced to ten men, the Lions of Teranga unleashed their attacking prowess with ruthless efficiency. At the heart of this offensive onslaught, Pape Gueye made a sensational entrance, scoring twice and providing an assist. Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye, each contributing a goal and an assist, also shone.

Mory Diaw: 6/10

In a match largely dominated by Senegal, Mory Diaw had a relatively quiet evening. Facing an Iraqi team quickly reduced to ten men, the Lions' goalkeeper was rarely called upon. He remained focused throughout the game, however, demonstrating composure and authority in his few interventions. His distribution was intelligent, allowing his team to launch quick counter-attacks.

Krépin Diatta: 6/10

On the right flank, Krépin Diatta once again displayed his sharp energy. Heavily involved in attacking phases, he provided numerous options for his forwards by creating a multitude of passing combinations. Defensively, he delivered a solid performance, with clean interventions that combined technical skill and composure. Against an Iraqi side that posed little threat going forward, he enjoyed a relatively quiet evening on his flank.

Moussa Niakhaté: 6/10

Facing a lackluster Iraqi attack, Moussa Niakhaté didn't have much to do. The central defender nevertheless remained solid, composed, and composed in his interventions. He also distinguished himself with the quality of his forward passes. Thanks to his experience and athleticism, he perfectly dealt with the few opposition attacks. A convincing performance from the Olympique Lyonnais player.

Abdoulaye Seck: 5/10

Starting in central defense as a replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, Abdoulaye Seck quickly made his mark by setting up the opening goal. His close-range header from a Lamine Camara corner was deflected into the net by Habib Diarra. Booked in the 18th minute, he subsequently appeared less composed in his defensive interventions. He was replaced in the 58th minute by Ismaïla Pathé Ciss, who made a solid impact in central defense.

Ismail Jakobs: 5/10

On the left flank, Ismaïl Jakobs combined frequently with Sadio Mané. Despite his active play, the Galatasaray player lacked precision with his crosses and set pieces. Defensively, however, he was solid and focused. His pace effectively secured his left flank. While not exceptional, he delivered a satisfactory performance.

Idrissa Gana Gueye: 6/10

In his usual role, the experienced Senegalese midfielder was once again invaluable. He was involved in most of the attacking play, contributing to the majority of the attack thanks to his excellent transitions. Despite being 37 years old, he still demonstrated his tenacity by winning back possession on several occasions. Aggressive in the best sense of the word, he delivered a strong performance in midfield. Despite a few turnovers, the Everton player put in a solid overall display.

Lamine Camara: 6/10

In a playmaker role, Lamine Camara made a perfect start to the match. Technically gifted, creative, and always available, the AS Monaco player offered a great deal. Highly active, he was omnipresent in midfield. Early in the second half, his excellent work was rewarded when he provided an assist for Ismaïla Sarr's second Senegalese goal. After beating several Iraqi defenders, he perfectly set up his teammate. He was replaced by Nicolas Jackson in the 57th minute.

Habib Diarra: 5/10

Making his first start of the World Cup, Habib Diarra gave Senegal a perfect start, opening the scoring in the 4th minute with a header that deflected Abdoulaye Seck's shot past the Iraqi goalkeeper. Despite this ideal start, the Sunderland midfielder gradually lost his way as the game progressed. Lacking inspiration, he struggled to effectively supply his forwards. Replaced in the 58th minute by Pape Gueye, he watched as his successor completely transformed the match. The Villarreal midfielder scored twice (59th and 71st minutes) before providing an assist. He first beat the Iraqi goalkeeper from an Ismaïla Sarr cross, then doubled the lead twelve minutes later with a powerful shot after a pass from Iliman Ndiaye. He capped off his performance by setting up Iliman Ndiaye for the fifth goal in the 81st minute.

Ibrahim Mbaye: 4/10

After two convincing performances off the bench against France and Norway, Ibrahim Mbaye was a logical choice to start in attack. However, the young Senegalese prodigy failed to make a decisive impact in his attacking endeavors. Lacking inspiration, he notably squandered a promising counter-attack that could have allowed Senegal to extend their lead. Replaced in the 57th minute by Iliman Ndiaye, the latter immediately made his mark by providing a superb assist for Pape Gueye's fourth goal, before capping off the Lions' attacking display with a beautiful left-footed strike to seal the fifth goal in the 82nd minute.

Ismaïla Sarr: 7/10

Deployed at the forefront of the attack, the Crystal Palace player fulfilled his role perfectly. Highly dynamic in attack, he constantly troubled the Iraqi defense, though he failed to convert his chances in the first half. Immediately after the break, he rectified this by scoring Senegal's second goal from a Lamine Camara cross (55th minute). Four minutes later, he turned provider for Pape Gueye's opening goal (59th minute). A successful performance for the Lions' winger, who was replaced by Assane Diao in the 81st minute.

Sadio Mané: 6/10

Very active on the left flank, the Lions' captain gave the Iraqi defense a lot of trouble. Often winning his duels, he delivered several dangerous crosses that unfortunately failed to find their target. True to his incisive style, he created a good opportunity at the end of the first half after a superb run through the opposing defense. In the second half, he continued at the same pace, trying numerous times but without managing to find the back of the net. In the 75th minute, his lob crashed against the crossbar. An encouraging performance for the Lions' playmaker, who looked particularly sharp.