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Kalidou Koulibaly: “Starting a World Cup with a defeat is difficult”

Senegalese Kalidou Koulibaly ahead of Dutchman Steven Bergwijn.

REUTERS - AMANDA PEROBELLI

Text by: David Kalfa Follow

2 mins

The Senegal team started its 2022 World Cup with a 2-0 defeat against the Netherlands on November 21 in Doha.

A frustrating setback for Kalidou Koulibaly.

The defender believes in particular that the outings on injury of Cheikhou Kouyaté and Abdou Diallo weighed on the Lions in the second period.

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RFI: Kalidou Koulibaly, how would you describe this evening for the Senegal team?

Kalidou Koulibaly:

It's difficult because starting a

with a defeat is hard.

But there were still some good things done tonight.

We are going to base ourselves on that to be able to bounce back against Qatar

.

To (re) read ► 2022 World Cup: Senegal cracks against the Netherlands

The Senegal team lost when there was perhaps a way to draw?

Yes, there was a way to draw against this team from the Netherlands.

We knew it was going to be played out on details.

When we lost Cheikhou Kouyaté to injury, it was difficult.

In addition, we had also lost Abdou Diallo to injury just before.

Losing players like that in the middle of a match is a bit hard.

However, we tried to play our football.

It's a shame we couldn't score that first goal because we still had chances.

Now we still have two “finals” to play.

We will give everything against Qatar to be able to play a small final against Ecuador

.

To (re) read ► 2022 World Cup: match schedule and results

You had several clear chances, especially in the second half.

Yes, it's true.

And I think that in defense, we were solid.

We showed good things, a great team from Senegal.

This score of 2-0 does not reflect the game.

But it's top-level football that's like that.

And we remain mobilized because we know that there is something to do during this World Cup.

Young players will have to show themselves during the next meetings.

You have to put them in good conditions to be able to play a big game against Qatar.

We still believe in our chances.

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