Kalidou Koulibaly celebrates scoring against Ecuador. (Photo by MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP via Getty Images)
According to BBC Live, former England goalkeeper Rob Green praised the strike from Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly as his goal led the AFCON champions to the knockout stage of the World Cup.
Three minutes after Moises Caicedo’s equaliser for Ecuador in the 67th minute after Ismaila Sarr gave the African side a valuable lead in the first half, Koulibaly stepped up in the opposition box to attack the free-kick to be delivered from Idrissa Gueye. Instead, the ball ricocheted off Felix Torrres’ shoulder into the path of the Chelsea defender who volleyed his effort in the back of the net.
Only a win could have progressed Senegal to the next round, and that goal from their captain turned out to be the game-clinching one. It is the first time in 20 years that this country has gone past the group stage of a FIFA World Cup.
Describing Koulibaly’s strike and the wonder-ness of it, here’s Green (h/t BBC Live):
“What a goal, what an instant response from Senegal and another set piece and an avoidable goal. It’s come of Valencia I think, trying to clear the ball. That was a striker’s finish from the centre half. It’s come to life. Composed and clinical.”
We have seen a volleyed strike into the back of the net from Koulibaly before. Remember the game against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this season, when the defender stepped up to attack a corner and ended up exquisitely volleying his effort past Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris.
Not just the goal, the Chelsea defender had an excellent game overall when it mattered the most. The former Napoli player made four key tackles, and two interceptions and won all his ground duels which were important against an in-form striker Enner Valencia (Sofascore).
This performance can be taken as good news by Chelsea fans as it shows that Koulibaly is back in form. Since his arrival at Stamford Bridge in the summer, the 31-year-old took time to settle down and wasn’t at his best in a Blue shirt.
If he comes back to Cobham after doing this well on the world stage, it would bode well for his confidence and performance levels going into the second half of this season.
On the other hand, although he was not overly tested, Edouard Mendy had a decent outing for Senegal. He is slowly regaining confidence after his excellent showing against Qatar following the horror show against the Netherlands.
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