Senegal became the first African nation to score five goals in a FIFA World Cup match on Friday, with substitute Pape Gueye producing a sensational second-half brace in a 5-0 demolition of 10-man Iraq in their final Group I fixture.
The emphatic victory significantly boosted Senegal’s hopes of reaching the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams, leaving them with the strongest goal difference among the sides on three points.
Iraq, meanwhile, exited the tournament without a point after a disappointing campaign despite their hard-fought qualification.
Senegal wasted little time taking control. Habib Diarra opened the scoring with a deft touch from Abdoulaye Seck’s flicked header following a corner, netting his first competitive international goal after previously scoring in a friendly against England last year.
Iraq’s already difficult task became even harder moments later.
Defender Rebin Sulaka, handed a place in the starting lineup by coach Graham Arnold, lasted just 13 minutes before being sent off. Referee Anthony Taylor upgraded his initial decision to a red card after reviewing the challenge on the VAR monitor, ruling that Sulaka had denied Sadio Mane a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The dismissal was the earliest red card of this World Cup and the fourth fastest in the tournament’s history.
Reduced to 10 men, Iraq struggled to create any attacking threat before halftime. Senegal, despite their numerical advantage, were unable to fully capitalise, with Ismail Jakobs’ powerful long-range effort flashing narrowly wide as their best opportunity.
Senegal emerged after the break with renewed purpose.
Iraq were further disrupted when goalkeeper Ahmed Basil, who had picked up a knock before halftime, was replaced by veteran Jalal Hassan.
The substitute goalkeeper withstood an early barrage before Senegal finally found their rhythm.
Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead in the 56th minute, scoring his third goal of the tournament after former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal gifted possession deep inside his own half. Sarr calmly slotted home before celebrating by lying on his back and punching the air in delight.
The contest then belonged to Gueye.
Just 89 seconds after coming off the bench, the Villarreal midfielder curled a magnificent strike into the top corner from outside the penalty area to make it 3-0.
He bettered that effort 12 minutes later, unleashing a ferocious half-volley that flew beyond Hassan for his second goal of the afternoon.
With Iraq’s resistance shattered, Arnold could only watch in frustration from the technical area as Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout eight minutes from time with another spectacular long-range finish.
The commanding victory kept Senegal’s World Cup hopes alive, with their fate now resting on the final standings among the third-placed teams.
AFP
