The World Cup hopes of Qatar were dashed after a 3-1 loss to Senegal and a draw between Ecuador and Netherlands left them bottom of Group A with no chance of progressing, just five days after they opened the tournament with a 2-0 loss to Ecuador.
The Qataris needed Ecuador to win but they fell behind to an early Cody Gapko goal, and though they equalised it wasn't enough to prevent Qatar from becoming the first side mathematically eliminated from a finals they have spent a reported $200 billion to host.
Qatar's opening-night nerves were nowhere to be seen as they quickly got to grips with Senegal and should have had a penalty when Ismaila Sarr bundled over Akram Afif, but Spanish referee Antonio Mateu waved away their pleas and VAR did not intervene. With the Qatari crowd thinned out somewhat at the start of the second half, Famara Diedhou doubled Senegal's advantage with a brilliant glancing header from an Ismail Jakobs corner in the 48th minute.The missing home fans were soon back in their seats and rewarded with some superb attacking play as the hosts registered their first efforts on target in the tournament, with Ismail Mohamad forcing a superb reflex save from Edouard Mendy.
Qatar coach Felix Sanchez told reporters that he and his team had never expected to set the world on fire, despite being at home.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
World Cup live updates: Iran stuns 10-man Wales, 2-0; Qatar faces SenegalBefore the United States faces England, Qatar vs. Senegal and Netherlands vs. Ecuador are still on tap. Follow along for the latest news, updates and highlights from the World Cup.
Read more »
Host Qatar on the verge of World Cup elimination after 1-3 loss to SenegalMohammed Muntari scored Qatar’s first-ever World Cup goal, but the hosts could become the first side to be eliminated from the 2022 edition if other fixtures don’t go their way.
Read more »
Hosts Qatar on verge of exiting World Cup after Senegal lossThe World Cup hopes of Qatar were left hanging by a thread after a 3-1 loss to Senegal that leaves them bottom of Group A and facing elimination just five days after they opened the tournament with a 2-0 loss to Ecuador.
Read more »
World Cup 2022: SEE IT — Cristiano Ronaldo first player to score in five World Cup gamesPortugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo made history Thursday by becoming the first male player to score during five World Cup games.
Read more »
Live results, scores and updates for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022Get the latest scores and updates on the FIFA World Cup.
Read more »
Qatar World Cup backlash is an important moment for soccer, says ESPN’s Shaka Hislop“History provides these moments that we have to make the most of,” ESPN commentator and former World Cup star Shaka Hislop says.
Read more »