WWW.MIRRORFOOTBALL.CO.UK JAPAN BIG ON SWEEPER SYSTEM
SENEGAL coach Aliou Cisse has told his players to carry on dancing – and bringing joy to the World Cup.
Led by captain and Liverpool star Sadio Mane, Senegal have won legions of new fans in Russia with their joyous dance routines, goal celebrations and ebullient approach to the tournament.
Their fans also won universal acclaim and praise for cleaning up after themselves by collecting rubbish left in the stands, following their games against Poland and Japan.
And boss Cisse, who captained Senegal to the quarter-finals in the 2002 World Cup, said his players will stick to the same joyous routine today as they look to book their place in the last 16. “This is a cultural thing, this is our culture you see – joy, peace, hospitality and happiness,” said Cisse.
“You may dance and be happy in your life, but still be serious on the pitch.
“This is what we do. I don’t think football is a question of life or death only, it’s a question of being together, living together and being happy together. It’s a show, too.
This is how we do things at home.”
Senegal and Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly agreed, saying: “As the coach said, it’s a ritual for us. We like to dance before the match, in particular, before games in important competitions.
“This is something that’s in our blood, our culture P W D L GD Pts 2 1 1 0 1 4 2 1 1 0 1 4 2 1 0 1 2 3 2 0 0 2 -4 0 Japan and Senegal go through with a win or draw. Colombia go through with a draw if Poland beat Japan Japan Senegal Colombia Poland and I don’t think we should change our way of life.” A point for Senegal today would be enough to seal their place in the knockout stage, although a draw may not b e enough to see Colombia through, which is why Cisse is expecting a tough game. “I think Colombia and Senegal have the same way of playing,” added Cisse. They like commitment and play at a high speed, it’s going to be a highly contested match.
“But we’ll be able to compete with them.” JAPAN need a point to make the last 16 – and continue the great World Cup clean-up.
Blue Samurai supporters began tidying during the last tournament in Brazil and it has caught on in Russia.
Fans of both teams they have played in Group H so far – Senegal and Colombia – copied them, Akira Nishino’s side leaving a mark on the pitch rather than off if.
There was no trash talking yesterday as keeper Eiji Kawashima told how the team were proud of the fans. He said: He said: “I think it’s wonderful this is spreading.”
Japan could play England in the last 16. A draw tonight with Poland is enough to make the knockout phase — but England’s next opponents also depend on the outcome of Senegal against Colombia.