World Cup 2022: Senegal wins as Qatar exit; Netherlands, Ecuador ends in a draw to leave Group A open
Senegal got their first win of the 2022 World Cup as the Lions of Teranga defeated Qatar 3-1 in Group A at the Al Thumama Stadium to leave the hosts on the brink of elimination but Qatar’s exit was confirmed following the Netherlands’ draw against Ecuador in the other Group A match the first time a host nation will have been knocked out after just two games in the tournament’s history.
The Africa Cup of Nations champions were by far the better team in the first period, and their play was rewarded four minutes before the break, as Boulaye Dia capitalised on a defensive error from Qatar’s Boualem Khoukhi to slot the ball past Meshaal Barsham to give his nation the lead.
Then, three minutes after the restart, Aliou Cisse’s side doubled their advantage. Famara Diedhiou reacted quickest at the near post to head in Ismail Jakobs’ corner.
Qatar then got a goal back 12 minutes from time to score their first of the tournament, as substitute Mohammed Muntari headed in Ismail Mohammad’s cross from the right.
However, Senegal sealed the victory in the 84th minute, as Iliman Ndiaye’s cut-back into the centre of the box was well finished by Bamba Dieng.
In the other group game, Cody Gakpo got the Netherlands off to the perfect start with a goal after just six minutes. A despairing Ecuadorian backpass came to Davy Klaassen, the Ajax midfielder delayed his pass as Gakpo raced into a gap on the edge of the box, and Gakpo took the pass and slapped his left-footed shot into the top corner.
Ecuador’s response was long in coming, but when it did, only Virgil van Dijk’s brilliance kept them at bay. Again and again, the Liverpool defender was perfectly positioned to keep the Dutch clean sheet intact.
The South Americans did seem to equalise in first-half stoppage time, when Pervis Estupinan flicked Angelo Preciado’s long-range shot into the net but it was ruled out for offside. Jackson Porozo was standing directly in front of Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert.
Five minutes after the break, Ecuador did get their equaliser. Enner Valencia pounced after Noppert could only parry Estupinan’s low shot. The South Americans dominated from there.
Gonzalo Plata hammered a shot against the bar, Michael Estrada scuffed a shot from virtually the penalty spot and Ecuador continued to knock on the door but the Dutch managed to weather the storm and hold on for a point which leaves Group A open going into the last round of matches.
