Mendy injured and Senegal face Iraq with World Cup on the line

Mendy out for Iraq, Senegal's World Cup on the line

Your goalkeeper is done. Édouard Mendy suffered a left knee injury during the 3–2 loss to Norway and will miss the must-win group finale against Iraq (2) (3). The Senegalese Football Federation confirmed it Tuesday. More medical exams are underway to assess whether he can play any further part in the tournament (2).

That is the last thing Senegal needed.

Norway 3–2 Senegal on Monday. Haaland scored twice, and your team could not recover. Ismaïla Sarr grabbed both goals to keep hope alive, but the defensive errors were punished every time (1) (5). Martin Ødegaard captained Norway into the round of 32 (5).

Julian Ryerson, Norway's right-back, was taken off after only eleven minutes, not a good sign, Ståle Solbakken said (6). But that is cold comfort for Senegal.

Iraq is now win-or-go-home

Two losses in Group I. Even beating Iraq may not be enough. Senegal need results elsewhere to fall their way. Mendy's absence means Diaw is likely to step in for the biggest match of the campaign (2).

Haaland's post-match curveball

After putting two past your team, Erling Haaland turned his attention elsewhere, and it was not Senegal. Asked about a potential meeting with France, Haaland said they would "undoubtedly beat us" (4). A strange moment of honesty from the man who just knocked your side to the brink.

That Sarr goal might haunt Germany

One detail worth knowing: Ismaïla Sarr's strike against Norway could have knock-on effects for Germany's path in the tournament (7). The group-stage maths are getting complicated.

Norwegian fans took it to the palace

Norwegian supporters celebrated qualification outside the royal palace after the Senegal win (8). Meanwhile, your team came home to injury news, a must-win fixture, and a goalkeeper on the treatment table.