Senegal achieved a significant 5-0 victory against Iraq in their final Group I match, enhancing their goal difference and keeping alive their prospects of advancing to the World Cup last-32 as one of the best third-placed teams. The outcome means Iraq has been eliminated from the tournament.
Substitute Pape Gueye was instrumental in the second half, scoring two long-range goals. Ismaïla Sarr also contributed with his third goal of the tournament, initiating a series of four second-half goals for the Lions of Teranga. Habib Diarra opened the scoring early in the match, and Iliman Ndiaye concluded the scoring with another long-range effort.
Early Red Card Impacts Match
The match saw an early turning point when Iraq’s Rebin Sulaka received a red card in the 13th minute. Referee Anthony Taylor initially issued a yellow card after Sadio Mané was fouled, but after consulting a video monitor, the decision was upgraded to a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity. This left Iraq playing with 10 men for the majority of the game.
Despite the numerical advantage, Senegal initially struggled to capitalise during the remainder of the first half. However, their performance significantly improved after the interval, leading to a dominant second-half display.
Second-Half Onslaught Secures Advantage
The second-half scoring spree began in the 56th minute. Lamine Camara set up Sarr’s goal after forcing a turnover in Iraq’s box, dribbling to the byline, and delivering a low cross for the Crystal Palace forward to tap in. Gueye, who entered the game shortly after Sarr’s goal, quickly made his mark.
Just before the hour mark, Gueye received a pass from Sarr near the right corner of the box. He dribbled to his left before unleashing a left-footed strike that curled past Jalal Hassan into the top corner. Later, in the 71st minute, Gueye connected with a bouncing pass from Ndiaye, striking a powerful half-volley that left Hassan with little time to react.
This comprehensive victory has placed Senegal in a favourable position among the third-placed teams. They currently hold the fifth-best record among third-placed sides based on their goal difference. However, four teams below them have yet to play their final group matches, meaning Senegal will need to await other results to confirm their progression.
Qualification Scenarios for Senegal
Prior to this match, Senegal had lost their previous two games in the World Cup. They were defeated 3-1 by France, with Kylian Mbappe scoring two goals, and then lost 3-2 to Norway, where Erling Haaland also scored. Iraq had also suffered losses to France (3-0) and Norway (4-1), leading to both teams entering their final group stage match with zero points.
The win against Iraq was crucial for Senegal, as only a victory would give them a chance to advance. Their qualification now depends on the results of other matches, as they aim to secure one of the eight spots reserved for the best third-placed teams. The top eight third-place finishers are determined by points, and then by goal difference if points are equal.
Groups A, B, C, D, E, and F have already concluded their group stages. The confirmed third-placed teams from these groups include South Korea (3 points; -1 goal difference), Bosnia and Herzegovina (4 points, -1 GD), Scotland (3 points, -3 GD), Paraguay (4 points, -2 GD), Ecuador (4 points, 0 GD), and Sweden (4 points, 0 GD).
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Source: theguardian.com
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Joel Kavanagh is a Sports News Writer at News-GB. He started on a Midlands sports desk. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from De Montfort University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Leicester, he plays amateur rugby and follows the fight calendar. “In sport news, the first ten minutes decide everything.”