«The match didn't end at the 85th minute» — Thiaw bids farewell to the World Cup with bitter composure
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw reacted with bitter composure after the 2-3 extra-time elimination against Belgium, defending his players and delivering a sharp observation about the nature of football.
Pape Thiaw didn't need many words to capture what happened in Seattle. Senegal had been in control, led 2-0 and were minutes from the round of 16. Then came the 86th and 89th minutes, and then a controversial penalty at 125 to close the door for good.
"Matches don't end at the 85th minute"
Thiaw's post-match words carried the weight of a painful but clear-eyed assessment: "Unfortunately matches don't end at the 85th minute. We wanted to keep the score as it was, and when we conceded the first goal our energy dropped and then came the second. Belgium came back and we were not able to deal with that."
Defending his players
On his players' protests following the VAR-awarded penalty for a Lamine Camara challenge on Tielemans, Thiaw was firm and brief: "Players have the right to protest against the referee." A short sentence that shielded his squad without opening a broader dispute with match officials.
A penalty at 125' that will be debated
Referee Hector Sorto was sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR to review Lamine Camara's challenge on Tielemans in the final minutes of extra time. His decision to award the spot-kick was met with fury from the Senegalese bench and players, and has reignited wider questions about the use of VAR in knockout football.
Eliminated with dignity
Despite the heartbreak, Thiaw chose to acknowledge what his players had delivered. Senegal dominated for over an hour and came closer than most expected to knocking out a major European nation. The manner of their exit is painful — but it takes nothing away from the quality they showed.
