Senegal 2-1 Ecuador
KALIDOU KOULIBALY SCORED a second-half winner as Senegal beat Ecuador 2-1 to finish second in Group A and book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
Watford forward Ismaila Sarr kept his cool to slot in a penalty spot just before half-time, but Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo equalised in the 68th minute.
Senegal, though, were soon back in front when captain Koulibaly fired the ball home following a free-kick to send his side into the knockout stage – and a potential showdown with England.
Former West Ham and Everton striker Enner Valencia – scorer of three goals in the first two games – shook off an ankle problem to start for Ecuador, who would have qualified with a draw.
Senegal, the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions, had a great chance inside the opening two minutes when the ball ran through the penalty area to Idrissa Gueye, but the Everton midfielder dragged his shot wide.
Youssouf Sabaly then played Boulaye Dia into the right side of the box, but his low, angled shot went across the face of goal and past the far post before Sarr cut in from the left and curled a shot wide of the top corner.
Senegal, who beat hosts Qatar after losing their opening group match against the Netherlands, were awarded a penalty just before half-time when Piero Hincapie collided into Sarr.
The Hornets frontman got up to take the spot-kick himself and calmly rolled the ball past Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez.
After seeing lots more possession, Ecuador equalised in the 68th minute when Brighton midfielder Caicedo lashed the ball in from close range following a corner.
Senegal, though, were soon back in front from a set-piece of their own with 20 minutes left.
Chelsea defender Koulibaly arrived at the far post to fire home his first international goal when a deep free-kick had been knocked back across the six-yard box.
Ecuador went on the offensive again as Aliou Cisse’s men sat back to protect their lead.
While Ecuador pushed forward, they looked vulnerable on the counter, with Dia firing just wide as the Lions of Teranga held out for a memorable victory to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in 20 years.
For the latest news coverage on the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022, see here >
An article like this is a troll magnet
I’ve been waiting for Glen for half an hour.
Kearney displaying typical ‘rugger’ humour there… off for a good aul knees up and a pint of heino. D*cks.
How is that typical ‘rugger’ humour? He made a valid observation (the jersey is swimming on him), and made a joke about it.
AIdeen if they were in person he would have kicked sand over him.. like McBain making fun of the ‘puny’ men.
Not so boring now.
Slow day at the office eh zzzzzzz
What used journalists actually do in the days before they could copy very boring stories straight off of twitter?
Horan needs to bulk,up steroids would help,ask any pro rugby player,IF kearney was a man ,he,d have knocked that steroid monkey out cold.
Only real men have ‘Guns’.