| In the
end the Senegalese went home with tears in their eyes. Only luck was missing
in the final penalty shoot-out of the tournament when the tough fighting
Senegalese squad had neutralised the match with the big favorites and African
Champions Cameroon.
Luck that Bruno Metsu's
side had had before. When everything went their way in the group matches
like the last minute winner against Zambia. Or the flattering draw against
Tunisia with substitute players through which a premature clash with Cameroon
in the quarter finals was avoided. Or the penalty by Nigeria in extra time
that clashed against the goal post far out of reach of the great goalkeeper
Sylva.
They worked hard for
it and they were perhaps the team to use the most energy on the field attacking
everywhere, working and fighting 90 minutes.
Great example was El
Hadj Diouf who again proved his unique value for a team playing the style
of Senegal (or French league leader Lens). Working 90 minutes, running,
challenging, pressuring the defenders without the ball. Being a target
for balls into attack, protecting it, running at defenders and getting
inumerous free kicks around the penalty area or corner kicks which then
serve as a source of danger through the crosses of Auxerre's Fadiga.
Senegal made the most
out of their talents in a great team effort and thus serve as a role model
for many others. But what is most important: Senegal confirmed a
good 2000 Nations Cup and a great World Cup qualification.
This is promising more to
come of this team. |
