Qatar's Second Consecutive Win, Worst Performance by a World Cup Host Nation

Scored First World Cup Finals Goal but Lost 1-3 to Senegal

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Qatar, the host country of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, suffered a second consecutive defeat. On the 25th (Korean time), in the second Group A match held at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar lost 1-3 to Senegal. With two losses and no wins, their advancement to the round of 16 was virtually dashed. In another Group A match at Khalifa International Stadium at 1 a.m. on the 26th, if the Netherlands wins or draws against Ecuador, Qatar's elimination will be confirmed. Qatar had lost 0-2 to Ecuador in the opening match.

The only host country to be eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup was South Africa in the 2010 tournament. At that time, they recorded 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss. Even if Qatar beats the Netherlands, they will finish with 1 win and 2 losses. They have already recorded the worst performance ever for a World Cup host country.

At the 41st minute of the first half, a mistake by defender Bualam Huhi was regrettable. Opposing forward Kr?pin Diatta passed the ball into the penalty area, and while trying to clear it, Bualam only stopped the ball and lost his balance. Senegal’s Kr?pin Diatta approached and scored with a right-footed shot, shaking the net. Senegal scored an additional goal at the 3rd minute of the second half. From a corner kick situation, Famara Di?dhiou’s header was drawn into the goal.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Pushed into a corner, Qatar launched an offensive and scored their first goal in the World Cup finals. At the 33rd minute of the second half, Ismail Muhammad’s cross was headed in by Muhammad Muntari. However, just 6 minutes later, they conceded again, halting their comeback momentum. They failed to block a side cross from opposing midfielder Iliman Ndiaye, allowing Bamba Dieng to score with a right-footed shot.

Senegal, who lost their first match 0-2 to the Netherlands, succeeded in turning the tide. They secured a chance to realize their dream of advancing to the round of 16, which had failed in the 2018 Russia tournament. At that time, Senegal defeated Poland 2-1 and recorded 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss but finished 3rd in the group.