Edouard Mendy: Fans Blame Chelsea Star for Senegal’s Heartbreaking World Cup Defeat vs the Netherlands

Edouard Mendy: Fans Blame Chelsea Star for Senegal’s Heartbreaking World Cup Defeat vs the Netherlands

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:17 PM
In this article:
FIFA World Cup logo
FIFA World Cup
International
  • Edouard Mendy has been slammed for his lacklustre performance against the Netherlands during Senegal's World Cup opener
  • The Chelsea goalkeeper shipped in two late goals during the Group A clash to deny Senegal a golden chance to earn their first points of the tournament
  • The Lions of Teranga looked set to hold the Netherlands to a goalless draw before Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaasen netted late in the match

A section of fans have blamed Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy for Senegal's World Cup defeat against the Netherlands.

The reigning African champions kicked off their World Cup campaign on a disappointing note, after they were silenced 2-0 in their Group A opener staged at the Al Thumama Stadium on Monday evening.

Edouard Mendy, Senegal, World Cup Qatar 2022, Netherlands, Al Thumama Stadium, Qatar, Gakpo, Klaasen.
Edouard Mendy reacts after Senegal's defeat during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match against the Netherlands at Al Thumama Stadium. Photo by Stuart Franklin.
Source: Getty Images

Senegal were pretty much in control of the clash and looked on course to secure a precious point against the European giants.

However, two late goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaasen condemned the Lions of Teranga to a heartbreaking defeat.

Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ find "Recommended for you" block and enjoy!

Gakpo broke the deadlock with just five minutes left on the clock, heading home a powerful header from Frenkie de Jong's perfect cross past a helpless Mendy.

Klaassen went on to seal the three points for the Netherlands in stoppage time, after Mendy failed to gather a shot.

Mendy slammed after Netherlands performance

Following the Netherlands loss, Mendy has come under immense fire, with a section of fans claiming he let down Senegal.

One wondered:

"What happened to Mendy? He was voted Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper of the year just 10 months ago."

A second noted:

"This defeat is on Mendy's head."

Another tweeted:

"I genuinely think Mendy had the craziest purple patch in history because this guy is not a goalkeeper im sorry."

A fourth added:

"Mendy went from a complete unknown to FIFA Goalkeeper of the Year to a genuine liability in the space of like 3 years."

Below are more reactions on Mendy's performance:

Maguire, Shaw shine versus Iran

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Manchester United defenders Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw produced stunning performances for England against Iran at the World Cup.

Shaw and Maguire provided assists for England's first and second goals in their opening match of the tournament, despite initial doubts about Maguire in particular.

His club manager Erik ten Hag doesn't seem to fancy him for a starting spot, but England boss Gareth Southgate said Maguire is their best defender.

Authors
Fred Kennedy photo
Fred Kennedy
Editor - Europe Team
Tags
World