Senegal Coach Pape Thiaw Urges Error‑Free Play Against Norway
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has warned his team cannot afford another mistake when they meet Norway in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Group I match at MetLife Stadium.
Norway arrives confident after a 4‑1 victory over Iraq, with star striker Erling Haaland netting twice.
Although Haaland’s reputation and form are formidable, Thiaw said Senegal will concentrate on the collective threat of Norway rather than focusing on a single player.
“It’s going to be a tough match, but we’ve prepared well. We’ve scouted Norway closely to see their strengths and weaknesses,” Thiaw told reporters ahead of the game.
“It’s an important match, a final for us, because we know a negative result could cost us a place in the next round. Norway is a very good team, very strong offensively and athletically.”
“But we’ve prepared for this challenge and are determined to get the win.”
“We knew we were in a tough group. Every match is a final. We messed up the first one against France, but we still have two chances. Now we can’t afford any more mistakes.”
“Everyone is fit and eager to give their all and make our people proud. The players are ready. The team is ready.”
Thiaw also dismissed suggestions that Senegal would deploy a specific plan to stop Haaland.
“Erling needs no introduction. He’s a great striker, but there won’t be an anti‑Haaland plan. There will be an anti‑Norway plan,” the coach said.
“We have top‑level defenders who have played in very high‑level competitions and have had to face strikers of this calibre.”
“The objective is to get those points, but when you’re up against a player like Erling Haaland, who is very effective, we’ll certainly have to be careful. But the most important thing remains Norway.”
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