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Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has disclosed that his team can’t afford any defensive errors in their crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match against Norway at MetLife Stadium.
Following a 3-1 opening defeat to France, Thiaw has labeled the Norway clash a final and stated the Lions of Teranga must be flawless.
Despite Haaland’s strong form (having scored twice in Norway’s 4-1 opening win against Iraq), Thiaw remains confident in his squad’s top-level defenders to handle high-caliber strikers.
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“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 as quoted by Wiw Sport.
“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.
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“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.
“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, it’s certain that we’ll have to be careful. But the most important thing remains Norway.”
