Qatar Loses 1-3 to Senegal... Faces Tournament End Without Points
Netherlands Draws 1-1 with Ecuador... Gakpo Scores in Two Consecutive Matches
Qatar, the host country of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, failed to advance to the round of 16 after just two matches. This marks their first group stage elimination in this tournament.
On the 25th (Korean time), Qatar lost 1-3 to Senegal in their second Group A match held at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Following their opening match defeat against Ecuador (0-2), they suffered back-to-back losses. The hope for advancing to the round of 16 was completely extinguished about three hours later when the Netherlands and Ecuador, also in Group A, drew 1-1 in their match at Khalifa International Stadium.
Both teams had won their first group matches against Senegal and Qatar respectively, each with a 2-0 victory. With the draw, they both recorded 1 win and 1 draw, earning 4 points and sharing the top spot. Senegal sits third with 3 points from 1 win and 1 loss. Qatar, with no points, cannot advance to the round of 16 even if they win their remaining match against the Netherlands. In this tournament, only the top two teams from each group qualify for the knockout stage.
Until now, the only World Cup host nation that failed to reach the round of 16 was South Africa in 2010. They were eliminated in the group stage with a record of 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss. Qatar is set to finish the tournament without a single win or point. The only consolation is the one goal they scored in this match.
Defender Bualam Fouhi’s mistake in the 41st minute of the first half was regrettable. Attempting to clear a pass threaded into the penalty area by Senegalese forward Kr?pin Diatta, he only managed to stop the ball and lost his balance. Kr?pin Diatta approached and struck the net with a right-footed shot. Senegal scored an additional goal in the 3rd minute of the second half. From a corner kick, Pape Di?dhiou’s header was drawn into the goal.
Under pressure, Qatar launched an offensive and scored their first goal in the World Cup finals. In the 33rd minute of the second half, Ismail Mohammed’s cross was headed in by Mohammed Muntari. However, just six minutes later, they conceded again, halting their comeback. They failed to block a cross from midfielder Ilyas Ndiaye on the flank, allowing Bamba Dieng to score with a right-footed shot.
The flow of the match between the Netherlands and Ecuador was completely different. The two teams were evenly matched throughout. The Netherlands seemed to take control early with Cody Gakpo’s goal in the 6th minute of the first half. His powerful long-range shot went into the net before the opposing goalkeeper could react. This was Gakpo’s second consecutive goal in two matches following the Senegal game.
Ecuador consistently targeted the opponent’s flank to try to turn the momentum. A goal by Pervis Estupi??n just before halftime was disallowed for offside. However, in the 4th minute of the second half, Enner Valencia’s sharp movement helped Ecuador equalize. After Estupi??n’s shot rebounded off the goalkeeper, Valencia quickly pushed the ball into the net.
In the ensuing midfield battle, neither team could gain the upper hand. They amicably shared 1 point each, securing a favorable position for advancing to the round of 16. The Netherlands will face Qatar, who have already been eliminated. Ecuador will meet Senegal. If Ecuador achieve a draw or better, they will advance to the round of 16.
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