Senegal vs Belgium: Pape Thiaw's plan to approach the "new tournament" of knockout matches

Senegal's future in this World Cup hinges on their match against Belgium in the round of 32 on Tuesday. On the eve of this crucial encounter, Pape Thiaw emphasized his team's determination while also highlighting the quality of their opponents.

In a press conference, the Lions' coach assured everyone that his team was approaching the match with confidence, without underestimating the Belgian team. "We are going into this match with a lot of determination and confidence, with a lot of respect for the Belgian team, who have shown some very good things. They are a great nation in European and world football. We are ready, prepared to give everything on the pitch in order to continue in this tournament," he declared.

"If we win, we stay... If we lose, we go home."

For the Senegalese coach, this round of 16 match marks a major turning point. From now on, every game is a final where the slightest mistake can be fatal. "This is the golden moment, because we're in knockout matches. We win, we stay, we continue in this competition. If we lose, we go home. And we want to continue," the coach emphasized.

Pape Thiaw also emphasized the merit of his team, who managed to turn around a difficult situation after a poor start in the group stage. "We too deserve our qualification. We fought hard, even though we lost our first two matches. We knew we needed to fight back to secure this qualification. The players did just that, and they deserve to be congratulated."

Facing an undefeated Belgian team firmly in first place in their group, the coach expects a very high-level match. He remains, however, deeply convinced that his players have what it takes to continue their American adventure.

"It's a new tournament that's starting. We have to go for that victory," he concluded.