Senegal secured a crucial 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq in their final Group I match on Tuesday, boosting their goal difference and keeping alive their hopes of reaching the World Cup last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. Substitute Pape Gueye scored two stunning long-range goals in the second half to lead the rout in Toronto.
Senegal's goal difference boost
Ismaïla Sarr added his third goal of the tournament, the first of four after half-time for the Lions of Teranga. The win sealed a third-place group finish for Senegal, who now hold the fifth-best record among third-placed sides with a +2 goal difference. However, four of the teams below them have yet to play their final group matches, leaving their fate uncertain.
Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the fourth minute while the teams were still level on numbers. Iliman Ndiaye wrapped up the victory with his own long-range effort in the 82nd minute, ensuring a comprehensive win.
Iraq's elimination and early red card
The result meant Iraq were eliminated from their second World Cup and first since 1986. They were underdogs from kick-off, but their chances of securing their first World Cup points dwindled when referee Anthony Taylor dismissed Rebin Sulaka in the 13th minute for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Taylor initially showed a yellow card after Sadio Mané dribbled past Sulaka, who hauled him back with an outstretched arm. After consulting the video monitor, Taylor upgraded the decision to a red card.
Despite the numerical advantage, Senegal could not capitalise during a frustrating remainder of the first half. However, the second half proved to be a different story.
Second-half onslaught
Lamine Camara set up Sarr's 56th-minute goal to begin the second-half onslaught. Camara forced an Iraq turnover in their own box, dribbled to the byline, and cut a low cross back for the Crystal Palace forward to tap into an open goal.
Gueye entered immediately after Sarr's contribution and soon made his own impact. Just before the hour mark, he took Sarr's pass near the right corner of the box, dribbled to his left, and unleashed a left-footed strike that curled beyond the diving Jalal Hassan into the top corner. In the 71st minute, Gueye ran on to Ndiaye's bouncing pass and struck a thunderous half-volley that barely gave Hassan time to move before it bulged the back of the net.
Ndiaye's long-range effort in the 82nd minute sealed the 5-0 victory, giving Senegal a much-needed boost to their goal difference as they await the outcomes of other group matches to see if they advance.
