World Cup 2018: 3 reasons why Colombia beat Senegal 1-0

#2 Senegal's attempt to play only for a draw backfired

Senegal were content to sit back, but it backfired badly

The Lions of Teranga had a win and draw in their bag from the first two games, and needed just another point here to ensure a last 16 berth.

They tried to get exactly that by sitting back and trying to break forward only on counters especially in the second-half, whilst their initial attempts at goal were hopelessly futile.

The likes of Niang, Keita and Sarr tried to ruffle a few feathers by cutting in from the flanks, but the ease with which the Colombian back-line cleared the lines was borderline amusing. Senegal thought they had won a penalty after Sadio Mane was brought down inside the box, but a VAR review dismissed the calls as Davinson Sanchez got to the ball first and cleared it.

Senegal continued to cut a lethargic figure after the break, and virtually stopped playing after realizing Poland had gone ahead in the other game. They tried to play for a draw here as it would've sent both these sides into the next round. But Colombia weren't satisfied and Senegal should've tried to score on realising the men in yellow were trying for the same.

Senegal paid the price as they fell behind, and their late attempts to draw parity was really late. Sarr compounded their misery when he shanked an effort completely wide after collecting a beautiful ball in from Mane.

The desperation was clear when they pushed bodies forward in the dying embers, but just couldn't find a pass to create the final chance.

If only Senegal made attempts earlier on when the game was finely poised.