World Cup
What a Load of Rubbish! How Senegal Threw Away a World Cup Dream
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
What a load of rubbish. There is no polite way to describe what Senegal did in Seattle on Wednesday night.
Not when a team is leading 2-0 with four minutes left in regulation time. Not when that team has dominated one of Europe’s traditional powers for almost the entire match. Not when a place in the Round of 16 is virtually secured.
And certainly not when that same team somehow manages to lose 3-2. This was not merely a defeat. It was a sporting catastrophe.
It was a collapse so spectacular that future generations of Senegalese football fans will speak about it with disbelief. Coaches will use it as a warning. Opponents will use it as proof that no game is won until the final whistle.
For 86 minutes, Senegal were magnificent.
They were organised, energetic and tactically superior. Belgium looked exhausted, uninspired and on the verge of elimination. Habib Diarra’s first-half goal was deserved. Ismaila Sarr’s brilliant second-half strike should have buried the contest.
At 2-0, the match was over. Or at least it should have been.
What followed was a footballing meltdown that bordered on the absurd.
The moment Romelu Lukaku pulled one back in the 86th minute, alarm bells should have been ringing across the Senegal bench. The instruction should have been simple: close the game, keep possession, defend intelligently, waste a little time if necessary, and get over the line.
Instead, panic took over.
The composure that had defined Senegal’s performance disappeared. The discipline vanished. Players who had looked assured suddenly looked frightened.
Belgium sensed weakness and attacked.
Within minutes, Youri Tielemans headed home the equaliser.
Even then, Senegal still had extra time to regroup, reorganise and rescue themselves. They did neither.
Instead, they pulled out their most talismanic player, Sadio Mane.
The final insult arrived in the 125th minute when Lamine Camara lunged recklessly into Tielemans inside the penalty area. It was the kind of challenge born not from confidence but from desperation.
VAR confirmed what everyone suspected.
Penalty.
Game over.
World Cup over.
Dream over.
Tielemans converted and Belgium completed one of the greatest escapes in World Cup history.
The painful truth for Senegal is that Belgium did not win this match as much as Senegal handed it to them.
Yes, Belgium showed character.
Yes, Lukaku’s introduction changed the game.
Yes, the Belgians deserve credit for refusing to surrender.
But none of that explains how a team leading 2-0 with only minutes remaining can lose.
The answer lies in game management — or the complete lack of it.
The world’s best teams know how to kill a match. They know when to slow the pace. They know when to keep the ball in the corners. They know when to commit a tactical foul, when to make substitutions, when to frustrate an opponent and when to simply clear their lines.
Senegal did none of those things.
Instead, they gifted Belgium hope.
And hope is the most dangerous thing you can give a wounded giant.
Coach Pape Thiaw said afterwards that his team deserved to win.
Perhaps they did.
But football is not decided on merit alone.
It is decided by concentration.
It is decided by discipline.
It is decided by the ability to finish what you start.
Senegal failed that test spectacularly.
For African football, the defeat is particularly painful because this Senegal side had shown throughout the tournament that it possessed the quality to go deep into the competition. They had the talent, the experience and the momentum.
What they lacked when it mattered most was maturity.
The scoreboard does not record how well you played for 86 minutes.
It records what happened after 120.
And what happened after 120 minutes was a disaster.
Belgium walked away with a place in the next round.
Senegal walked away with regret.
The tragedy is that they were not beaten by Belgium.
They were beaten by themselves. For Africa, another great team has crashed out of the World Cup!
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
Spain and Austria will meet at a FIFA World Cup for the first time in 48 years when they face off in Thursday’s Round of 32 encounter.
Their only previous World Cup meeting came during the 1978 tournament in Argentina, when Austria claimed a memorable 2-1 victory over the Spaniards in Buenos Aires.
Walter Schachner and Hans Krankl scored for Austria on that occasion, while Dani found the net for Spain in a result that remains one of Austria’s notable World Cup triumphs.
Much has changed since then. Spain have since become world champions, lifting the trophy in South Africa in 2010 and establishing themselves as one of the dominant forces in international football.
Austria, meanwhile, arrive in the knockout phase determined to produce another upset and add a new chapter to their World Cup history.
Spain will start as favourites thanks to their possession-based style and wealth of talent, but Austria’s confidence has grown steadily throughout the tournament.
With nearly half a century separating their previous World Cup encounter, both sides will be eager to write a fresh piece of history when they take to the field on Thursday.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
BY BABATUNDE OJORA, BORDEAUX, FRANCE
I recently came across a FIFA post on Instagram celebrating a 91-year-old journalist who is covering his 18th FIFA World Cup. It was one of those stories that instantly commands admiration. Covering a single World Cup is a lifelong ambition for many sports journalists; covering 18 is the stuff of legend.
That inspiring story prompted me to reflect on another remarkable achievement much closer to home — that of one of Africa’s most respected sports journalists, Nigeria’s own Kunle Solaja.
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Solaja is covering his 10th World Cup finals, a milestone that speaks volumes about his dedication, consistency, professionalism, resilience and enduring passion for sports journalism.
Sports journalist and media executive Babatunde Ojora (centre) poses with fellow Nigerian journalists Francis Achi (left) and Kunle Solaja during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where the trio were among the media professionals covering the world’s biggest multi-sport event. Courtesy Photo: OJB.SPORT
Over the course of more than three decades, he has travelled across continents, chronicling some of football’s greatest moments and bringing the drama, excitement and history of the World Cup to readers. From Italy ’90 to the ongoing 2026 tournament, his reporting has provided a unique perspective on the evolution of the global game.
But Kunle Solaja’s contribution extends far beyond match reports and tournament coverage. Through his work, he has helped shape the landscape of sports journalism in Nigeria, mentored younger journalists, and inspired countless aspiring media professionals across Africa to pursue excellence in the craft.
Reaching a 10th World Cup is not merely a personal achievement; it is a testament to a lifetime of commitment to journalism and a significant contribution to African sports media.
As the football world celebrates records on the pitch, it is equally important to recognise those who have devoted their careers to documenting the game and preserving its history.
Congratulations, Mr Kunle Solaja, on this remarkable milestone. Your journey remains an inspiration to many, your legacy continues to grow, and there is every reason to believe that the best is still ahead.
May the journey continue.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
For 68 minutes, England stared nervously at the possibility of becoming the first African scalp of their FIFA World Cup campaign. For 68 minutes, the Democratic Republic of Congo dared to dream.
Then Harry Kane arrived.
Just as Gary Lineker had done exactly 36 years earlier against Cameroon on July 1, 1990, England’s captain dragged his team from the brink, scoring twice as the Three Lions recovered from a goal down to defeat DR Congo 2-1 and book their place in the Round of 16.
History seemed to be repeating itself. On that famous summer evening in Naples at Italia ’90, Lineker rescued England with two goals against Cameroon. On another July 1, against another African opponent, Kane delivered his own decisive intervention, ensuring England’s unbeaten World Cup record against African nations remained intact.
The contest at the packed stadium had begun stunningly for the Congolese.
Only seven minutes had elapsed when Brian Cipenga silenced the sea of England supporters. Left unmarked on the right side of the penalty area, the winger took a touch before drilling a low shot beyond Jordan Pickford at his near post. The DR Congo bench erupted, while thousands of travelling supporters celebrated wildly in the stands.
The joy before the heartbreak. DR Congo’s Brian Cipenga celebrates with teammate Yoane Wissa after scoring the opening goal against England in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round-of-32 clash at Atlanta Stadium, Georgia, on July 1. The Congolese side led for much of the match before England fought back to win 2-1 through a Harry Kane brace. Photo: Reuters/Bernadett Szabo.
Suddenly, England looked vulnerable.
The African side played with confidence and belief, refusing to be intimidated by their illustrious opponents. Every tackle was cheered, every interception celebrated. The Leopards sensed an opportunity to write one of the great World Cup stories.
England, meanwhile, became increasingly frustrated.
Jude Bellingham came close, only to be denied by an outstanding save from goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Kane also found the Congolese shot-stopper in inspired form, while Marcus Rashford thought he had an opening before Aaron Wan-Bissaka produced a heroic block to preserve the lead.
As halftime approached, DR Congo nearly delivered a devastating second blow. Yoane Wissa found himself with the goal at his mercy from inside the six-yard box, but his effort crashed against the post, drawing gasps from every corner of the stadium.
Had that gone in, England’s World Cup dream might have been in serious jeopardy.
Instead, the Europeans survived and gradually increased the pressure after the break.
The Congolese defence continued to resist bravely, but the warning signs were growing. England’s attacks became more frequent, their crosses more dangerous, and their captain more influential.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 75th minute.
Kane, who had been searching tirelessly for an opening all evening, pounced to bring England level. The goal transformed the atmosphere instantly. Relief swept through the England ranks, while DR Congo suddenly found themselves defending deeper than at any stage of the match.
The underdogs fought courageously, but the momentum had shifted.
With extra time looming and the Congolese supporters dreaming of another heroic defensive stand, England struck the decisive blow.
Four minutes from time, Anthony Gordon delivered a teasing cross into the penalty area. Kane escaped his marker with a clever turn and powered a header beyond Mpasi, sending England’s fans into raptures.
The captain sprinted away in celebration as teammates swarmed around him. Across the pitch, exhausted Congolese players dropped to the turf, their magnificent resistance finally broken.
At the final whistle, England had survived one of their sternest examinations of the tournament.
For DR Congo, there was heartbreak but also immense pride. The African side had pushed one of football’s traditional giants to the limit and came within touching distance of a famous upset.
For England, the reward is a Round-of-16 showdown with Mexico at the legendary Azteca Stadium on Sunday.
And once again, when England needed a hero on the World Cup stage, their captain answered the call.
Just as Lineker did in 1990, Harry Kane ensured that July 1 would remain a date etched in England’s World Cup folklore.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Spain Seek to Rewrite History Against Austria in World Cup Reunion
What a Load of Rubbish! How Senegal Threw Away a World Cup Dream
Celebrating a Decade of World Cup Coverage: A Tribute to Kunle Solaja
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup6 days ago
Haaland, Mbappé set for blockbuster duel as Norway face France
- World Cup3 days ago
Beyond the World Cup: A Journalist’s Reflection at Ground Zero
- Nigerian Football4 days ago
Tributes Flow as Nigeria Bids Farewell to Coaching Icon Onigbinde
- World Cup6 days ago
Egypt and Iran chase historic breakthrough
- World Cup5 days ago
Congo DR and Uzbekistan Seek Historic First World Cup Win
- World Cup1 week ago
DR Congo’s Long Wait Continues as Colombia Clinch Knockout Spot
- World Cup1 week ago
Time Out At Times Square
- World Cup1 week ago
Paraguayan Broadcaster Expelled from World Cup Following Live TV Outburst