Following Senegal's near upset—leading for a significant portion of the game—coach Pape Thiaw has sharply criticized remarks made by former coach Rudi Garcia. Thiaw implied Garcia’s past statements lacked credibility given Senegal's strong performance despite ultimately falling short. He stated that victory makes discussing such matters easier, suggesting Garcia's comments were dismissive before the match's outcome. The Senegalese team demonstrated fierce competition, nearly achieving a historic win. Thiaw’s response underscores a growing confidence within the Senegalese squad and a defense of their capabilities. This exchange highlights the high stakes and passionate reactions within international football. The incident has spurred debate about respect and assessment in the sport.