TORONTO:
Senegal grew to become the primary African facet to attain 5 objectives in a World Cup match, a surprising double by Pape Gueye inspiring them to a 5-0 win over 10-man Iraq of their remaining Group I match on Friday.
Senegal additionally boosted their possibilities of progressing to the final 32 as one of many eight greatest third-placed groups — they’ve the perfect purpose distinction of the groups on three factors.
Iraq go dwelling with no level after a massively disappointing marketing campaign following an arduous path to qualify.
Senegal struck early, Habib Diarra getting the slightest of touches to Abdoulaye Seck’s header from a nook, for his first worldwide purpose since he scored in a pleasant towards England final 12 months.
Iraq’s already slim hopes of preserving their hopes alive suffered a hammerblow a couple of minutes later.
Defender Rebin Sulaka had been introduced into the beginning line-up by Iraq coach Graham Arnold however his contribution lasted simply 13 minutes.
English referee Anthony Taylor red-carded him after consulting the VAR display screen for fouling Sadio Mane when the Senegal talisman was clear on purpose.
It was the earliest crimson card of the 9 to date within the World Cup, the fourth quickest within the event’s historical past.
Iraq have been unable to vogue an opportunity in the remainder of the half and regardless of their one man benefit Senegal may solely muster one, Ismail Jacobs fierce strike from outdoors the field simply going huge with the keeper overwhelmed.
Senegal got here out for the second-half bristling with intent.
Iraq had been additional destabilised as they needed to exchange goalkeeper Ahmed Basil, who had taken a knock within the first-half, with Jalal Hassan on the break.
Hassan survived the early wave of assaults however was helpless when Senegal lastly bought into their stride.
Ismaila Sarr tapped in within the 56th minute, for his third purpose of the event, after a dreadful error by former Manchester United participant Zidane Iqbal deep inside his personal half gifted Senegal possession.
The reduction of the second purpose had Sarr mendacity inclined on his again pumping his fists with pleasure.
Then got here the Gueye present and it had the followers off their seats.
Inside 89 seconds of approaching as an alternative he let rip from outdoors the field with a chic curling effort that gave Hassan no likelihood for 3-0 within the 59th minute.
The Villarreal midfielder probably outdid that effort with a vicious half volley 12 minutes later that flew previous the keeper.
Arnold was diminished to leaning on the dugout and ruefully shaking his head, and will solely watch as Iliman Ndiaye scored with one other screamer eight minutes from time.
