Mané and Senegal step into the knockout fire against Belgium

Wednesday night. Belgium. Knockout football.

Your Lions of Teranga face Belgium in the World Cup round of 32 on Wednesday, July 1. It is the first knockout match at this tournament for Senegal, and for Sadio Mané, it could be his last World Cup campaign. Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku has already called it potentially Senegal's toughest opponent of the tournament (1) (3). Belgian sources describe the African champions as playing with an intensity and duel strength even more formidable than Egypt (2).

Thiaw: Mané is a role model for all of football

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw did not hold back on Sadio Mané's importance ahead of Wednesday. "He is a role model for all of African football and world football," Thiaw said (1). The coach sees Mané's leadership as central to how the team approaches Belgium.

Diouf: with Mané, 60 percent chance

Senegal legend El Hadji Diouf is even more direct. "With him on the pitch, our chances rise to 60 percent," Diouf said of Mané (1) (5). He believes Mané can be the decisive factor against Belgium.

Coach warns Belgium: 'We are here to make our mark'

The Senegal coach has a message for Belgium. "We are here to make our mark," he said ahead of Wednesday's match (3). Belgium will wear light blue for the first time at a World Cup, but the Senegal bench is not interested in the aesthetics.

Saintfiet: every Senegal position is top-class

Tom Saintfiet, a longtime expert on African football, broke down the Senegal squad for Belgian media. His verdict: "Every position at Senegal is top-class." He added one uncertainty: "You never know which eleven will start" (2). The depth is real, and so is the unpredictability.