Two matches, two upsets.
For the second time on Tuesday, an underdog took down a favorite as Senegal defeated Poland, 2-1, with the game-winning goal decided in controversial fashion.
In the 60th minute, M’baye Niang was waved onto the field by the referee while the ball was still in play in the middle of the field, and Niang raced on to the end of a Gregorz Krychowiak backpass that stunned the Poland defense. Niang arrived at the pass a second quicker than goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, allowing the Senegal winger to score into an empty net.
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#MundialTelemundo ¡ Fiesta total ! @MBaye9Niang aprovecha un "horror" de la defensa de #POL para aumentar la ventaja de #SEN pic.twitter.com/1m16tNhtOI
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 19, 2018
The VAR checked the goal but it was allowed, as it was a subjective decision of the referee to allow Niang back on the field following an injury, and not a clear and obvious error.
Senegal took the lead in the first half on the counter attack. With Poland slow in transition, Sadio Mane found Idrissa Gueye in space at the top of the box. After two touches, Gueye fired a strike to the far post in the 37th minute that took a wicked deflection off Poland defender Thiago Cionek and left Szczesny helpless.
#MundialTelemundo ¡Pegan primero! #SEN lo intentó en última instancia Thiago Cionek anota en propia puerta de #POL pic.twitter.com/taCpzwNoGV
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 19, 2018
Poland struggled all game against the pace and physicality of Senegal and the Lions of Teranga were very smart in controlling possession and switching the field, forcing the Poland squad to tire quickly.
Krychowiak did breathe some life into the game with a header goal off a free kick in the 86th minute, but despite some poor clock management from Senegal, its defense was able to hold off Poland’s last-ditch chance to tie the game, going level with Japan on three points at the top of Group H.
#MundialTelemundo ¡Hay esperanza! @GrzegKrychowiak anota y pone en la pelea a #POL ante #SEN pic.twitter.com/ZQVSbBQTqu
— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) June 19, 2018