Mighty Senegal Send Hosts Qatar Packing, England Battle To Barren USA Draw

26th November 2022

In the last game of the day, England failed to make it two wins in a row after they were held to a 0-0 draw by the United States, blowing Group B wide open.

In the last game of the day, England failed to make it two wins in a row after they were held to a 0-0 draw by the United States, blowing Group B wide open. PHOTO | Twitter
In the last game of the day, England failed to make it two wins in a row after they were held to a 0-0 draw by the United States, blowing Group B wide open. PHOTO | Twitter
SUMMARY
  • Hosts Qatar became the first team knocked out of the ongoing FIFA World Cup after a 3-1 defeat to Senegal in their Group A game on Friday at the Al Thumama Stadium
  • Senegal are the first African team to win in Qatar and they did so in fine style to give them a chance at a spot in the knockout stages
  • This was Qatar's second straight defeat after they lost 2-0 to Ecuador on the opening day and remain rooted to the bottom of the group without a point

Hosts Qatar became the first team knocked out of the ongoing FIFA World Cup after a 3-1 defeat to Senegal in their Group A game on Friday at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Senegal are the first African team to win in Qatar and they did so in fine style to give them a chance at a spot in the knockout stages.

This was Qatar's second straight defeat after they lost 2-0 to Ecuador on the opening day and remain rooted to the bottom of the group without a point.

Boulaye Dia broke the deadlock four minutes before half-time, slamming home to punish Boualem Khoukhi's miscued clearance.

Looking to hit back in the second period, Qatar's hopes were dashed when former Bristol City striker Famara Diedhiou rose to flick in a glorious header just three minutes after the break.

Watford's Ismaila Sarr had an early chance on his 50th cap but struck into the side-netting, while Idrissa Gueye of Everton's rasping drive went narrowly wide.

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made a string of great saves to deny Almoez Ali and Ismail Mohamad, but he could do nothing about Mohammed Muntari's powerful header.

Bamba Dieng scored with six minutes left in the game to seal all 3 points and a first win for Aliou Cisse's team.

In the last game of the day, England failed to make it two wins in a row after they were held to a 0-0 draw by the United States, blowing Group B wide open.

Gareth Southgate's side were second best for long periods as they failed to match the energy and intensity of the USA, who have their own hopes of making the last 16.

Harry Maguire was solid in defence but they were unimpressive and rode their luck when Weston McKennie missed an easy chance and Christian Pulisic struck the bar in the first half.

England have a history of trouble with the USA at World Cups, having lost in 1950 and drawn in 2010.

The Three Lions remain atop the group with 4 points, one more than Iran, who pulled off a remarkable shock 2-0 win against Wales, while USA are third with 2.

Wales, who were returning to the World Cup after a 64-year hiatus, are looking to be on their way out and have to win when they play England in their last game.