"Remind me when we're 2-0 up not to do that": Rudi Garcia's pointed remark to Pape Thiaw

Belgium had a close call, but they will indeed be in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Trailing 2-0 against a valiant Lions side, the Belgians completely turned the game around at the end to eliminate Senegal (3-2) in extra time. Beyond the qualification itself, it's the post-match media comments of the Red Devils' coach, Rudi Garcia, that are causing a stir: the French manager didn't hesitate to criticize the Senegalese team's tactical approach.

Looking back on the crazy scenario in which his team scored two goals in quick succession in the 86th and 89th minutes to force extra time, Rudi Garcia delivered an uncompromising analysis of Pape Thiaw's coaching, believing that Senegal made the fatal mistake of dropping too deep.

“We know these teams; they lose their tactical control towards the end of the match. At 2-0, we knew they would do everything to protect their goal, which in my opinion is a serious mistake. Remind me, when we're leading 2-0, not to do that! Because when you concede a goal like they did at 2-1, the game changes completely.”

A well-aimed little dig, especially since the Belgian coach drove the point home by describing the decisive penalty awarded in added time as "completely justified".

Despite a disastrous start to the match, during which his players lost possession far too often, the former Marseille and Lille coach was keen to praise the mental strength and depth of his squad. For him, Belgium's salvation came from those who started on the bench.

“In football, anything is possible as long as you believe in it,” he reminded everyone. “The strength of this group also lies in those who come off the bench. You can’t achieve results with just 11 players. Romelu Lukaku has come on as a substitute three times since the start of the tournament and he has been decisive each time.” Thanks to this effective coaching, Belgium secured its place in the next round where it will face the winner of the match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina.