🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia faces criticism despite World Cup qualification
via SeneNews2 min read
Belgium's national team coach, Rudi Garcia, is facing significant criticism in his home country despite guiding the team to the World Cup 2026 round of 16. Belgium secured their spot by overcoming a 2-0 deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 in extra time. Garcia's comments regarding Senegal's tactical management at the end of the match, where he suggested they lost their tactical organization by trying to protect their lead, have drawn scrutiny. He stated, "We know these teams, they lose their tactical structure towards the end of the match. At 2-0, they would do anything to protect their goal, which is in my opinion a serious mistake." Belgian media, including RTBF and Het Laatste Nieuws, have highlighted the team's struggles for much of the game and questioned Garcia's tactical decisions. RTBF reported that Belgian captain Youri Tielemans reportedly disagreed with a coaching instruction during the match. Het Laatste Nieuws suggested that the qualification should not overshadow Belgium's shortcomings. Former Belgian international Marc Degryse also downplayed the comeback, stating that the victory does not automatically make Garcia "a hero or a magician" and that the coach must address the observed weaknesses. In response to the criticism, Garcia defended his choices, explaining that his substitutions were intended to bring a new dynamic to his team. He stated, "I simply did my job. My only merit is having believed that the other players would bring a new dynamic. As a coach, you wan
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise RTS has issued an apology to its audience following the interruption of the live YouTube broadcast of the World Cup 2026 round of 16 match between Senegal and Belgium. The public broadcaster stated in a press release that the interruption occurred before the end of the match and was caused by "a technical problem related to FIFA's regulations on digital broadcasting rights." RTS clarified that this issue only affected the YouTube broadcast and reassured viewers that the competition's matches would continue to be broadcast on its RTS1 and RTS2 channels until the final, in line with its public service mission. The RTS General Directorate thanked the public for their loyalty, understanding, and trust, assuring them that all efforts are being made to ensure the best broadcast quality for the remainder of the competition.
Following Senegal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup, journalist Romain Molina released a video detailing alleged internal issues within the Senegalese Football Federation FSF. Molina claimed that the Senegalese team experienced significant tensions before the competition, stating that Senegal was close to playing its match against Norway without a coach. He also alleged that FSF Secretary General Abdoulaye Sow wields significant influence, while President Abdoulaye Fall faces challenges in leading the federation. Molina reported executive committee meetings were marked by disagreements over bonuses, representation, and governance. Furthermore, he claimed that former coach Pape Diop did not have a contract and was not paid for several months, citing information previously published by Sport News Africa. Molina also suggested the FSF considered appointing Hervé Renard as national coach and was awaiting a poor performance from Pape Diop to make a change. The FSF has not yet publicly responded to these claims, which remain unconfirmed.
SeneNews is providing live coverage of the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match between Spain and Austria. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM Dakar time on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at SoFi Stadium. The live feed will include real-time score updates, goals, substitutions, cards, and a summary of key moments. Compositions, statistics, and reactions will also be available.