Haaland poses defensive puzzle for Senegal coach

Senegal's coach Pape Bouna Thiaw faces a significant defensive conundrum as his team prepares to confront Norway and the formidable Erling Haaland in their World Cup match.

Captain Kalidou Koulibaly, who returned from injury for Senegal's opening Group I game against France, struggled against Kylian Mbappe. Thiaw is now contemplating dropping the veteran defender in favor of the 20-year-old Mamadou Sarr to counter Haaland's threat at the New York/New Jersey Stadium.

Senegal, touted as Africa's best hope, had their confidence shaken by a 3-1 loss to France. In contrast, Norway secured a winning start in their first World Cup appearance since 1998, with Haaland scoring twice in a 4-1 victory over Iraq.

Sarr previously impressed when he stepped in for Koulibaly during the African Cup of Nations and later joined Chelsea. However, limited game time at Stamford Bridge may count against him. The 35-year-old Koulibaly, with 104 caps, had played only eight minutes since an April injury and appeared off the pace against France.

Norway, despite a perfect qualification record, has shown defensive frailties, keeping only one clean sheet in their last eight matches. Coach Stale Solbakken is also reportedly unhappy with aspects of their performance against Iraq. Both teams will be wary of the attacking threats posed by Senegal's Nicolas Jackson and Sadio Mane.