Following a disgusting protest by the Senegalese coaches the end of the tournament was in chaos.
The Senegalese players were ordered to, and went back to, the changing room. All left the pitch with the exception of Sadio Mane, who knew more, apparently, about correct action than the coaches.
Eventually the team returned from the changing room – again at Mane’s call for them to behave properly – and finally the penalty was about to be taken.
Still there was some argee bargee as the goal keeper came threateningly towards the taker.
Brahim Diaz stood, deep in anguish and profound thought. Again the keeper came to him and eventually went back to his place in goal.
It was the 97th minute, with the score drawn at 0-0
The penalty was taken languidly, and kicked straight to the keeper.
The commentators were aghast.
What was he doing?
That was the poorest penalty kick possible !
And so on.
They could not see that this was the bravest action that man could have taken.
After all the aggression and posturing, with the team storming off, the game delayed for many minutes, the contested decision of a disallowed goal at the other end, it was the only way he could rescue some quality out of a hopeless situation and restore honour to the match – the final – the game, and the tournament.
He knew it would press them into extra time. I was surprised that no-one else – among the commentators at least – could see it. They were living in some fairy tale dream where the hosts would take the trophy and here it was; he had dashed their dreams.
I hope his sacrifice is recognised for what it was. An act of heroism above a tortured train of events.
His actions stilled the arguments and forced a return to football. That was Brave and Noble. He should be praised.
