After losing twice in a row, host nation Qatar was eliminated from the World Cup on Friday, while an underwhelming England lost the chance to clinch a spot in the last 16 after a 0-0 draw with the United States. Qatar was the first team eliminated from this World Cup after Senegal defeated them 3-1, and the Netherlands and Ecuador drew 1-1 in the other Group A match. Asian champions Qatar entered the competition with great expectations but ended up being only the second host side to lose in the group stage, following South Africa in 2010.
Senegal, the reigning African champions, won thanks to goals from Boulaye Dia, Famara Diedhiou, and Bamba Dieng. In a terribly disappointing debut on football’s biggest stage, Mohammed Muntari scored Qatar’s lone World Cup goal so far. This is the first time a World Cup host nation has been eliminated after just two games.
“We would like to say we’re very sorry to the supporters, to the country,” said Qatar defender Tarek Salman, who was a second-half substitute. “We have made them feel bad about losing two games in a row in the World Cup.” Cody Gakpo’s second goal of the tournament gave the Netherlands an early advantage over Ecuador, but Ecuador drew even thanks to captain Enner Valencia’s third goal of the competition. With a draw against Qatar in their final game, the Netherlands, who have four points, will advance to the round of 16.
For Senegal to move on to the knockout round, they must defeat Ecuador. An unimaginative England put on a lacklustre performance against the USA and was jeered off the field at the end of the game after crushing Iran 6-2 in their first game. With a win, Gareth Southgate’s team would have been assured of moving on from Group B, but they rarely gave the tenacious US team much to think about.
“A draw isn’t the end of the world for us, it puts us in a great position in the group,” England captain Harry Kane said. “After our first performance people thought we were just going to landslide every team we play, but it’s not the case.” To advance, England only needs to avoid a four-goal loss to their neighbours Wales on Tuesday. They already know that a win will advance them as the group’s victor.