Is Niang's 'stolen' goal illegal?

Bich Hien• DNUM_CAZAGZCABI 09:58

Senegal's second goal came from Niang's "unexpected" ball-snatching from the Polish defence, sparking controversy after the match.

With their fast playing style, Senegal made it difficult for the team known as the “White Eagles” when they continuously organized attacks down the flank. For most of the first half, Sadio Mane and his teammates put great pressure on goalkeeper Szczesny’s ​​goal. In the 37th minute, they scored the opening goal.

The referee allowed Niang to enter the field, leading to the second goal. Photo:Daily Mail.

The African team's path to winning all 3 points became smoother than ever when Niang scored a controversial goal in the 60th minute of the match.

Specifically, Szczesny left the penalty area to receive a pass from his teammate. Niang suddenly appeared from nowhere, stole the ball and single-handedly finished neatly into the empty net.

It turned out that after receiving treatment for his injury on the sidelines, striker Mbaye Niang ran onto the pitch. Realizing the Polish defense was not alert, he "sneaked" around behind and stole the ball from his opponent.

Niang's goal immediately sparked controversy on social media. Many commented that the linesman was negligent in this situation, and that the Senegal striker should have waited for the ball to die before returning to the field. Niang's goal was also called a "stolen" goal.

Niang quickly rushed in to steal the ball from Poland's defense. Photo:AP.

Commenting on the controversial situation above, commentator ofFox"The referee usually waits until the situation is a little safer before allowing the player to return to the field," he said.

Former US national team player Alexi Lalas said the careless situation showed poor management by the referees.

Niang's goal gave Senegal a 2-0 lead, which had a huge impact on the final result of the match. Poland scored a goal to reduce the score to 1-2 in the 86th minute, however, that was not enough for the European team to earn a salvage point in the opening match.

Bich Hien