The Lions of Teranga are facing a tall order to qualify after losing their opening two matches - 3-1 against France and 3-2 against Norway. Against the latter, Senegal looked frustrated after the game.
The defeat left the Lions of Teranga without a point after two matches in Group I and in serious danger of an early exit from the tournament.
Senegal will now need to beat Iraq in their final group match in Toronto and hope results elsewhere go their way to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
Senegal ready for Iraq
"There’s a lot of talk; we have to admit. It’s normal when you’re coming off two defeats in two matches, especially when you were considered one of the favourites," Thiaw told reporters ahead of the must-win game while hinting at making changes to his starting XI.
"Now, we have to turn things around. That means me making tactical decisions, but also the players. We’re ready. We’re working hard. We’ll make the best choices."
Thiaw continued: "We’ll try to give everything to secure qualification. The players want to have a great World Cup. We perhaps didn’t expect to be in this situation, but that’s the reality today.
"We’re going to do everything we can to beat Iraq and keep hoping for qualification to the next round."
On facing Iraq in the decisive Group I game, he said: "Iraq is a technically and tactically disciplined team that can cause big problems, especially in attack.
"The defeat against Norway was painful, but it gives us even greater motivation to beat Iraq and qualify for the next round. Friday’s match is a final for both teams.
"If we want to stay in this World Cup, we have to win. The team needs its supporters. We need them to push the players and secure this qualification."
Iraq going for all three points
Iraq midfielder Zaid Ismaeel revealed their plan to approach the game against Senegal, insisting they are driven by inspiration to win the game.
"First, we apologise to the Iraqi fans for the mistakes made in the previous match. God willing, we promise the Iraqi fans that this match will be a victory," said Ismaeel.
"The players are driven by great aspirations, an iron will, and ambition; they have the support of the coaching staff as well as that of the fans who, after following us in the United States, are here in Canada.
"God willing, we will achieve a positive result in this match (against Senegal), and the entire Iraqi people will be proud of us."
Asked whether Senegal’s having a better goal difference will make it difficult for them, he replied: "No, no, the coach clearly stated that all that matters are the three points.
"It's these three points that will allow us to advance to the next round. It doesn't matter who the favourites are, them or us; the pitch will decide."
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Ismaeel added: "On the contrary, we faced some of the best teams in Europe (France, Norway), the favourites for the title.
"We put in some great performances and, God willing, all of Iraq will be talking about how we competed at the highest level.
"It's worth noting that against France, we completed a total of 422 passes (out of 481 total passes), a first in the history of the Iraqi national team. God willing, we will bring joy to our people in this match against Senegal."
Senegal will miss the services of injured goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. The former Chelsea custodian picked up an injury during Senegal’s defeat against Norway.
