Five things we learned: Poland 1-2 Senegal
Lewandowski struggles, Poland lack options and Group H is wide open. Here are five things we learned from Poland vs. Senegal.
SENEGAL'S HIGH PRESS
While not a full-on attacking outfit, Senegal showed plenty of endeavour and willingness to tackle from the front against Poland.
It's not a surprise; with the pace on show in their front men they created a few opportunities thanks to quick turnovers and the resultant counter-attacks.
The final pass sometimes let them down, but it's clearly a potential route to goal for them and on another day they may have created more scoring chances from it.
POLAND LACKING A SUPPLY LINE
Robert Lewandowski is one of the finest strikers in European football, but he was a mere bystander for the majority of the game.
There was very little creativity on show from Poland, next to no link play between Lewandowski and fellow forward Arkadiusz Milik and rarely even crosses into the box for either to attack.
Much more is required if they are to turn around their fortunes across the next two games.
GROUP H WIDE OPEN
Senegal's win here, coupled with Japan's surprise victory earlier over Colombia, means that Group H is looking rather different to expected for many.
While the Africans would certainly have been seen as at least candidates to progress, the same probably can't be said for Japan, particularly given most would have expected them to lose to Colombia.
With Senegal playing Japan next, the group could continue to look exceptionally open for anyone to progress, perhaps one of the most exciting at the World Cup.
LACK OF OPTIONS FOR POLAND
Not creating chances was perhaps a consequence of the two teams matching up tactically, but Poland simply didn't have options from the bench to change their approach.
Either that, or head coach Adam Nawalka simply didn't have an alternative tactical plan in mind for when his side were struggling.
Like-for-like substitutions didn't help and Poland looked extremely one-dimensional.
SADIO MANE'S INFLUENTIAL ROLE
He wasn't on the scoresheet, but Sadio Mane was impressive and important for his national team, playing from behind the striker.
Mane didn't remain central though, instead roving left and helping out his team defensively whenever required and helping initiate attacks from deep.
An impressive all-round performance from the Senegal skipper.