One of the best defenders in the world while in Europe, Kalidou Koulibaly may soon have to call it a day.
The Senegal centre back put in an absolute disasterclass against Norway, making it two World Cup defeats from two.
Senegal lost 3-2 on the night, with Koulibaly at fault for each goal, looking like a pensioner as he struggled to deal with Erling Haaland.
Koulibaly at Fault for Five Goals in Two Games
The scenes were no different in the opener against France, and the Senegalese press have taken aim at the defender, but also the coach for picking him.
Leading outlet Le Soleil wrote: “This defeat belongs to Pape Thiaw. If we started this match without Koulibaly: we’d never lose.
“Six goals conceded, he’s at fault for five. Well done Koulibaly. Thank you Pape Thiaw.”
Senegalese Press Turn on Coach Pape Thiaw
They finished: “The final whistle leaves a huge sense of incompleteness and enormous regret.
“Mathematically, the chances of qualifying for the round of 16 have drastically diminished and now hang by a thread.
“For the final matchday of the group stage, Senegal will face Iraq, who also suffered a heavy defeat against France (3-0).
“For Pape Thiaw and his men, a resounding victory is essential, as is improving their goal difference and hoping for a miracle.
“The Lions have no choice: they must roar or go home.”
Thiaw then admitted picking the same team may have been an error.
Pape Thiaw’s press conference
In his post-match press conference, he said: “It was a difficult match against a Norwegian team that caused us a lot of problems and proved very efficient.
“They scored at times when it is always very difficult to concede goals, especially just before half-time.
“Then, after returning from the locker room, just as we were starting to find our rhythm, we conceded a second goal. It wasn’t easy. We have to congratulate the opposition on their performance.
“For my part, I encourage my players. We wanted to get a positive result, unfortunately that wasn’t the case.
“We made the decision to field the same team. Obviously, when the results aren’t there, everyone questions the decisions made. That’s football.
“We will now review the match, learn all the necessary lessons and correct our mistakes so as not to repeat them in the future.
“We now have one match left. We need to focus on this last game, play it to the fullest, go for the three points and keep hoping.”
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