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Netherlands vs Ecuador LIVE: World Cup 2022 result, final score and reaction as Valencia equaliser earns draw

Netherlands vs Ecuador LIVE: World Cup 2022 result, final score and reaction as Valencia equaliser earns draw

Ecuador’s “superman” captain Enner Valencia led a feisty fightback as the South Americans drew 1-1 with the Netherlands in Group A to keep both teams in pole position for reaching the last 16 while ending Qatar’s chances of qualifying.

Valencia, 33, tapped in his third goal of the tournament from a rebound in the second half after Cody Gakpo had put the Dutch ahead in the sixth minute with a sizzling shot in a result that advanced both sides to four points.

Hosts Qatar lost their second successive game at their debut World Cup earlier on Friday to Senegal. The African champions are third in Group A with Ecuador to come in Tuesday’s final group games.

Ecuador had a subdued first half as Louis van Gaal’s side looked comfortable but unhurried. But the South Americans, roared on by a large yellow-clad contingent at the Khalifa International Stadium, stepped up a gear in the second half and could have won it when Gonzalo Plata’s strike hit the crossbar.

Follow all the action with our live blog below or CLICK HERE to follow the build-up to England vs USA:

Netherlands vs Ecuador

  • Netherlands draw 1-1 with Ecuador in a World Cup 2022 Group A encounter

  • Both teams stay in pole position to reach the last 16

  • FULL-TIME! Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

  • 59’ - CROSSBAR! Plata thunders a strike against the bar (NED 1-1 ECU)

  • 49’ - GOAL! Valencia turns home a rebound from close range to equalise (NED 1-1 ECU)

  • 45+2’ - NO GOAL! VAR disallows Estupinan’s equalising goal for offside (NED 1-0 ECU)

  • 32’ - SAVE! Valencia sees powerful shot destined for the corner tipped wide by Noppert (NED 1-0 ECU)

  • 6’ - GOAL! Gakpo curls in superb opener (NED 1-0 ECU)

  • Both teams won their opening fixtures 2-0 and goal difference could be key to qualification

  • LIVE: Build up before England face USA in second World Cup game

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador - MATCH REPORT

18:40 , Kieran Jackson

This was a bump in the road on Louis van Gaal’s farewell tour. The 71-year-old’s retirement should still be postponed for a week or two but, when the Netherlands had the chance to become the first team to book their place in the knockout stages, they encountered resistance in an unheralded but excellent Ecuador side.

The Dutch lost a lead and their way, were outshot by a huge margin – 14-2 – and could count themselves fortunate they were not outscored. After the recent love-in for Van Gaal, this was a reminder he can oversee some ponderous, tedious football and Ecuador were the more enterprising and energetic team.

The scourges of Qatar have been one of the tournament’s welcome surprises. Ecuador rub shoulders with the Netherlands at the top of the group and are on course to equal their best ever performance in the World Cup. Avoid defeat against Senegal and they will make the last 16 for just the second time. The blight on them involved their history maker.

After Enner Valencia joined Eusebio, Paolo Rossi and Oleg Salenko in a select band to score six successive goals for their country on this stage, he was stretchered off. After an explosive start to his World Cup, it threatens to be a cruel and premature end.

Van Gaal should yet extend his own participation. The Netherlands, who face a date with Qatar, should still qualify but an ideal start gave way to an underwhelming performance. Cody Gakpo’s terrific early goal was their lone shot in the first 65 minutes. It highlighted a lack of creativity: while Davy Klaassen got the assist for the opener, he otherwise fashioned nothing as the No. 10, while Steven Bergwijn was utterly ineffectual before being hooked at half-time. Van Gaal’s 3-5-2 formation is a safety-first system but the Netherlands still flirted with a first defeat of his third spell in charge.

Gonzalo Plata rattled the bar with a ferocious shot and, had it been a few inches later, justice might have been done as Ecuador produced a blend of power and purpose.

World Cup 2022: Hapless hosts Qatar make unwanted World Cup history with early exit

18:25 , Kieran Jackson

Qatar waited 12 years to host the World Cup, but it has taken just six days for the host country to be knocked out. A 3-1 defeat to Senegal left Qatar at the mercy of the Netherlands, and the Dutch’s draw with Ecuador consigned them to some unwanted World Cup history. They are now the first World Cup hosts to be knocked out after only two matches.

Qatar, though, did score a goal and offered much more fight in the second half than they did in their opening defeat to Ecuador. Mohammed Muntari produced the historic moment of Qatar’s first World Cup goal with a sublime header on 78 minutes, allowing the home supporters faint hope of a comeback. It was swiftly put to bed by Bamba Dieng six minutes later, as the substitute restored Senegal’s two-goal lead.

The hosts will be left to regret not being braver from the start, especially now they have nothing to play for in Tuesday’s match against the Netherlands. Once again, Felix Sanchez’s side lacked quality and ambition, while defensive mistakes sealed their downfall and left Qatar looking badly exposed on the pitch.

Hapless hosts Qatar make unwanted World Cup history with early exit

World Cup 2022: Cody Gakpo and Netherlands fizzle out to leave major World Cup question

18:15 , Kieran Jackson

First the Netherlands released Cody Gakpo, then Cody Gakpo unleashed a warning to the World Cup. But perhaps the fastest goal of the tournament so far came too soon, both for the Netherlands and for Gakpo, even if the ferocious strike was a clear example of his exciting talent.

By six minutes, Gakpo had fired the Netherlands towards the last 16 but by 60, he and they had become far too quiet, far too passive.

There is, clearly, much more work to do before Gakpo can truly declare himself to the World Cup as a forward capable of dragging this Netherlands side into the category of contenders. Gakpo’s stunning hit on the turn to give the Netherlands the lead looked to be the moment that launched this Dutch campaign. Like Gakpo’s shot, they were streaking clear in a hot, bright light of orange. In the end, it fizzled out long before full-time.

If only the Netherlands could have followed Gakpo’s early example. His and their best moment came after five minutes and from there, Louis van Gaal’s side stopped playing. At first, Gakpo looked liberated by his selection up front, alongside Steven Bergwijn.

By the end, he looked isolated and perhaps the biggest question facing the Netherlands ahead of their final group fixture against Qatar is that their standout player of the World Cup so far does not have a clear position in its team.

Gakpo is part winger, part striker, part number 10, while also being none of the above. His goal record of 34 in 28 appearances for club and country this season suggests he can fit into a system regardless, but the reality for the Netherlands looks much different - despite already scoring twice in Qatar.

Gakpo has struggled to make his mark at number 10, now faded in his deployment as a split forward. He is unlikely to get any minutes out wide for Van Gaal’s side - given the manager’s preference of 3-4-1-2.

Cody Gakpo and Netherlands fizzle out to leave major World Cup question

World Cup 2022: QATAR ARE OUT OF THE WORLD CUP!

17:59 , Kieran Jackson

What that result does mean is that Qatar - the hosts - are out of their own World Cup after just two matches!

Netherlands and Ecuador are joint-top of Group A with four points, with Senegal on three points.

The first time the host nation has ever been eliminated from the World Cup after just two games!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:57 , Kieran Jackson

FULL-TIME: It ends all-square.

A let-off in many ways for the Netherlands. Because that was an impressive and largely dominant display from Ecuador!

Cody Gakpo scored brilliantly for the Dutch early on but Enner Valencia notched a deseved equaliser - but his knee injury looks very worrying! They came close as they struck the crossbar too... but it’s a point apiece!

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:55 , Kieran Jackson

90+5 mins: Van Dijk does well to head clear - and Holland clear their lines....

That should be that.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:54 , Kieran Jackson

90+4 mins: Despite their talisman leaving the field, Ecuador continue to be the team who’re pushing for a winner here!

With Netherlands facing Qatar in their final match and Ecaudor squaring up to Sengal, three points would perhaps mean more to Ecuador.

They have a corner now!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:51 , Kieran Jackson

90 mins: A sad sight - Enner Valencia leaves the pitch on a stretcher. Looks like it could be the end of his World Cup participation.

Plata also makes way; Rodriguez and Ibarra take their place.

Six minutes of added time - could we get some late drama?!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:48 , Kieran Jackson

87 mins: Oh dear. Enner Valencia is down and clutching his right knee - and he looks in some discomfort here!

Netherlands kept on playing before the Ecuador keeper Hernan Galíndez claimed the ball in the box. Bit of a confrontation between both sets of players...

Concerning times for Ecuador and their talismanic captain, he went down with no one near him.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:45 , Kieran Jackson

84 mins: Virgil van Dijk sails close to the wind with a pass-back to Noppert, who deals with it well.

Five to go. A reminder that if it stays like this, Qatar are out of their own World Cup after just two games.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:41 , Kieran Jackson

81 mins: Pervis Estupiñán does brilliantly to win a corner for Ecuador...

He’s been superb down that left-hand side this evening.

Yet Caicedo is wasteful as the ball breaks to him at the back post, shooting well over!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:40 , Kieran Jackson

79 mins: Double change for Netherlands: Gakpo and Koopmeiners OFF, De Roon and Weghorst ON.

Just over 10 to go plus stoppages here - will we have a winner? It’s quite even now - and Ecuador are yet to stop running!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:35 , Kieran Jackson

75 mins: First sub for Ecuador - Estrada OFF, Sarmiento ON

Quite late for their first substitution.... but why change it when they’re playing so well I suppose?!

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:34 , Kieran Jackson

74 mins: Gakpo is played through on goal... he looks well offside... but his chip skids wide.

A good four yards offside. Just call it immediately.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:29 , Kieran Jackson

69 mins: Netherlands with their second change - Davy Klassen comes off for Steven Berghuis.

20 or so minutes left for either team to find a winner here!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:26 , Kieran Jackson

66 mins: Neat build-up from the Netherlands who finally find some rhythm in attack - but Teun Koopmeiners’ shot is wayward and high over the bar!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:24 , Kieran Jackson

64 mins: Terrific game this - Ecuador remain on the front foot!

Netherlands all over the place at the back. Valencia beats his man on the left and squeezes a ball into the box, but Nathan Ake does well to block Michael Estrada’s mishit shot!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:20 , Kieran Jackson

59 mins: Ecuador hit the bar!

Van Dijk does well to block the first shot but then Ecuador’s Gonzalo Plata rifles a fierce left-foot curler onto the crossbar - and Noppert was beaten!

Netherlands on the ropes - they need to wake up here!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:18 , Kieran Jackson

58 mins: Cody Gakpo by far and away Holland’s leading man - he powerfully rides a few challenges before he’s hauled down just inside the Ecuador half.

Yellow card for Ecuador’s Jhegson Mendez for an earlier clip on Memphis Depay - his second booking means he misses the final group match against Senegal.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:15 , Kieran Jackson

54 mins: Big test now for this Netherlands team - they’ve conceded their first goal of the tournament and it’s time for their midfield and attack to come to the fore.

Because, currently, they’re being largely dominated by a very strong Ecuador team!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-1 Ecuador

17:09 , Kieran Jackson

49 mins: Ecuador equalise - and it counts this time!

It’s Enner Valencia again! He taps in after Noppert saves from Pervis Estupiñán’s fierce shot - and he’s onside with Nathan Ake playing him on!

A deserved goal for the South Americans! All-square at the Khalifa!

Lovely all-squad celebration too!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador

17:06 , Kieran Jackson

SECOND-HALF: Second-half is underway at the Khalifa International Stadium!

The Netherlands make a change at the break: Memphis Depay comes on for Steven Bergwijn.

16:58 , Kieran Jackson

Another look at that disallowed Ecuador goal!

Replays show that Jackson Porozo was indeed offside and though he didn’t touch the ball, he was in the line of sight of Netherlands goalkeeper Andries Noppert!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador

16:51 , Kieran Jackson

HALF-TIME: Netherlands still have their lead.... JUST!

Cody Gakpo’s sixth-minute screamer set the game alight but Ecuador have been the better side for the most part and can count themselves somewhat unlucky not to be level!

This is far from done for Louis van Gaal’s side!

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador

16:49 , Kieran Jackson

45+3 mins: It looks like Ecuador have scored... but it’s been disallowed!

Pervis Estupiñán diverts an Ecuador shot into the net instinctively... but an Ecuador player is offside and in the line of sight of the Dutch keeper!

VAR takes a look and sticks with the on field decision. Ecuador aren’t happy!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador

16:47 , Kieran Jackson

45+2 mins: Ecuador with one final chance to whip the ball into the box... and Valencia gets up highest... but it’s blocked by Nathan Ake!

Ecuador corner!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador

16:46 , Kieran Jackson

45 mins: Three minutes of added time at the end of the first-half.

That’s low!

Pervis Estupiñán finds some space down the left for Ecuador - a fruitful area in this half - but fails to find a man in the box.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador

16:42 , Kieran Jackson

41 mins: Bit of a confrontation off the ball between Valencia and Dumfries, with the Algerian referee just stopping the taking of a throw-in to disfuse the tension.

It’s been a physical first-half to be fair - and Ecuador have responded well to being a goal down!

They’ve probably played the nicer football...

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador

16:36 , Kieran Jackson

36 mins: Frenkie de Jong, of all people, just guilty of being slightly slack with his passing in the centre of the park, gifting the ball back to Ecuador.

But this time their cross is comfortable for Noppert to claim!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador

16:33 , Kieran Jackson

32 mins: Good save from Dutch keeper Andries Noppert!

It’s that man Enner Valencia again! He cuts in from the left and fires a right-foot shot to the near-post - and Noppert gets a good hand to it!

Netherlands clear their lines from the resulting corner...

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador

16:27 , Kieran Jackson

28 mins: Ecuador continue to probe!

This time it’s Valencia down the left - but the South Americans can’t quite find the right ball in the box.

Netherlands on the ropes a bit here!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador

16:25 , Kieran Jackson

25 mins: Lovely play from Ecuador!

The South Americans look threatening, with Moises Caicedo getting in down the left before Virgil van Dijk intercepted the cross right at the last moment!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador

16:21 , Kieran Jackson

22 mins: A surge down the right and then infield from Holland’s Denzel Dumfries sees him upended, with the ball smashed into his stomach, but the referee fails to give a free-kick!

Slight pause just while Dumfries gets his breath back - understandably winded!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador

16:17 , Kieran Jackson

18 mins: Netherlands quite comfortable in just controlling possession for the time being, without really probing in the attacking third.

Just taking the sting out of the game after gaining that early lead.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador

16:12 , Kieran Jackson

12 mins: First involvement for Enner Valencia - his left-foot half volley is slightly mishit but is goalbound before Holland’s Teun Koopmeiners manages to clear!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador

16:10 , Kieran Jackson

10 mins: Ecuador have controlled possession since that early strike from Gakpo - and are likely to have to change their approach from the off here now.

That early strike in the sixth minute, incidentally, is the earliest goal in a match so far at this World Cup!

And here it is!

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador (Gakpo 6’)

16:06 , Kieran Jackson

6 mins: Oh what a start and WHAT A GOAL from Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo!

He takes the ball from Davy Klassen outside the penalty area before launching a fierce left-foot shot into the near top-corner - no chance for Ecuador keeper Hernán Galíndez!

Placed to perfection! Early breakthrough for the Dutch!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands 0-0 Ecuador

16:05 , Kieran Jackson

4 mins: Early break in play here with Ecuador’s Ángelo Preciado down injured - he should be fine to continue.

Netherlands have had the majority of the ball in the first few minutes; bit bitty early on though.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands vs Ecuador

16:00 , Kieran Jackson

KICK-OFF: Ecuador get us underway in this Group A clash!

Netherlands in their traditional home kit of orange while Ecuador are in their away blue shirt strip, with white shorts!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands vs Ecuador

15:57 , Kieran Jackson

A reminder of the starting line-ups for this clash! Netherlands XI: Noppert, Timber, van Dijk, Ake, Dumfries, Koopmeiners, Frenkie de Jong, Blind, Klaassen, Gakpo, Bergwijn.

Ecuador XI: Galindez, Angelo Preciado, Porozo, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan, Plata, Mendez, Caicedo, Estrada, Valencia.

World Cup 2022: Netherlands vs Ecuador

15:54 , Kieran Jackson

The teams are out at the Khalifa International Stadium for this second Group A clash.

National anthems coming up!

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands vs Ecuador

15:50 , Kieran Jackson

We’re just 10 minutes from kick-off at the Khalifa International Stadium - the same venue where England beat Iran on Monday.

The Dutch left it late to beat Senegal on Monday in their tournament opener, with attacker Cody Gakpo and midfielder Davy Klaassen scoring the late goals, while Ecuador’s Enner Valencia scored a double versus Qatar in the first game of the World Cup.

The winner of this match will progress to the last-16.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Netherlands vs Ecuador

15:41 , Kieran Jackson

Now we turn our attention to the second game in Group A between Netherlands and Ecuador!

Both teams are looking to take control of the group after they won their first game of the tournament earlier this week - Ecuador beating Qatar and Netherlands overcoming Senegal.

Here are some pre-match odds too if you fancy a flutter!

  • Netherlands win 4/5

  • Draw 5/2

  • Ecuador win 18/5

Odds provided by BonusCodeBets

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Everything wrong with the Qatar World Cup

15:39 , Michael Jones

Out of the many facts and figures circulated about Qatar’s problems, there is one realisation that should stand above everything. It is a disgrace that, in 2022, a country can host a World Cup where it has lured millions of people from the poorest countries on earth - often under false pretences - and then forced them into what many call “modern slavery”.

And yet this has just been accepted. The World Cup carries on, an end product of a structure that is at once Orwellian and Kafkaesque. A huge underclass of people work in an autocratic surveillance state, amid an interconnected network of issues that make it almost impossible to escape. “It’s all so embedded,” says Michael Page of Human Rights Watch.

Many will point to similar problems in the west but this isn’t the failure of a system. It is the system, global inequality taken to an extreme. “The bottom line is that these human rights abuses are not normal for a World Cup host,” says Minky Worden, also of Human Rights Watch.

Everything wrong with the Qatar World Cup

FT Qatar 1-3 Senegal

15:29 , Michael Jones

Today has seen some great sporting drama. Wales were beaten by two late goals from Iran after Wayne Hennessey got sent off to send them down to 10-men. They now need to defeat England on Tuesday to have any chance of reaching the last 16.

Then Senegal got their campaign up and running byt defeating Qatar 3-1. The hosts are on the brink of elimination and will be knocked out of the World Cup should the Netherlands avoid defeat to Ecuadar.

That game is up next with kick off at 4pm before England take on the USA at 7pm. Gareth Southgate’s men will qualify - and most likely finish top of the group - should they defeat the US this evening.

Mohammed Muntari with a bit of history

15:21 , Michael Jones

Qatar are facing the prospect of an early elimination from the World Cup following their defeat to Senegal but substitute Mohammed Muntari will always remember the game.

He became Qatar’s first ever World Cup goalscorer:

Qatar on brink of World Cup exit but finally land a punch in Senegal defeat

15:16 , Michael Jones

Qatar waited 12 years to host the World Cup, but it may have taken just six days for the host country to be knocked out. A 3-1 defeat to Senegal means Qatar are now at the mercy of the Netherlands: a win or draw against Ecuador this afternoon would consign Qatar to some unwanted World Cup history as the first host country to be knocked out after two matches.

Qatar, though, did score a goal and offered much more fight in the second half than they did in their opening defeat to Ecuador. Mohammed Muntari produced the historic moment of Qatar’s first World Cup goal with a sublime header on 78 minutes, allowing the home supporters faint hope of a comeback. It was swiftly put to bed by Bamba Dieng six minutes later, as the substitute restored Senegal’s two-goal lead.

The hosts will be left to regret not being braver. Once again, Felix Sanchez’s side lacked quality and ambition, while defensive mistakes sealed their downfall and left Qatar looking badly exposed on the pitch.

Qatar on brink of World Cup exit but finally land a punch in Senegal defeat

FT Qatar 1-3 Senegal

15:12 , Michael Jones

Senegal are the first African team to record a win at the 2022 edition of the World Cup. The African champions are up and running now.

If the Netherlands defeat Ecuador by two goals or more tonight Aliou Cisse’s men will need just one point from their final group match to get through to the knockout rounds.

FT Qatar 1-3 Senegal

15:07 , Michael Jones

Qatar are still in with a slender chance of staying in the competition but need Ecuador to defeat the Netherlands in today’s next match before then beating Louis van Gaal’s side in the final round of fixtures themselves.

The hosts are all but out of the World Cup and that will be confirmed if the Netherlands avoid losing to Ecuador.

Netherlands vs Ecuador

15:03 , Michael Jones

Reaction still to come from Qatar’s World Cup exit and Senegal’s first victory of the tournament. Up next is the other Group A fixture of the day as the Netherlands take on Ecuador.

Here’s a look at the two line-ups:

Netherlands XI: Noppert, Timber, van Dijk, Ake, Dumfries, Koopmeiners, Frenkie de Jong, Blind, Klaassen, Gakpo, Bergwijn.

Ecuador XI: Galindez, Angelo Preciado, Porozo, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan, Plata, Mendez, Caicedo, Estrada, Valencia.

Full-time: Qatar 1-3 Senegal

15:00 , Michael Jones

90+6 mins: That’s it! Qatar are out of the World Cup!

They’ve been beaten 3-1 by Senegal and now cannot qualify for the knockout rounds. A slither of a silver lining was Mohammed Muntari scoring the nation’s first ever goal at the World Cup but even that is not enought to stop supporters leaving before the end of the game.

Senegal played to their own tempo. They eased in front and added a second either side of half-time before a period of low concentration opened the door for Qatar.

Bamba Dieng came off the bench to ease the worries and Senegal are up and running.

Qatar 1-3 Senegal

14:56 , Michael Jones

90+3 mins: Solid game management from Senegal who are focussing on maintaining possession and keeping the ball away from their opponents.

Half of stoppage time has come and gone. Senegal are on the verge of a solid victory.

Qatar 1-3 Senegal

14:54 , Michael Jones

90 mins: There’s six minutes of added time to play. Six minutes for Qatar to save their World Cup campaign, however unlikely that seems.

Qatar 1-3 Senegal

14:52 , Michael Jones

87 mins: Pathe Ciss lunges into a challenge on Mohamad and takes the defender out just inside Senegal’s final third. The African substitute is shown a yellow card and Qatar are awarded a free kick.

They roll it across to Abdelkarim Hassan who smokes a shot from range and pulls it narrowly wide of the right-hand post! That was close.

GOAL! Qatar 1-3 Senegal (Dieng, 84’)⚽️

14:46 , Michael Jones

84 mins: Brilliant response!

That should be that now. Senegal work the ball slowly up the pitch before sliding it into the right hand side of the box. It gets cutback to Bamba Dieng who drifts away from Boualem Khouki before blasting his effort into the back of the net.

Senegal can start the celebrations.

Qatar 1-2 Senegal

14:45 , Michael Jones

81 mins: The noise level inside the stadium has gone up a few decibels since that goal. Senegal need to switch back on. They’ve allowed Qatar to repeatedly strike at them without reply.

There’s less than 10 minutes of play to go but there should be plenty of added time. Qatar are not out of this one at all, can they score an equaliser?

GOAL! Qatar 1-2 Senegal (Muntari, 78’)⚽️

14:41 , Michael Jones

78 mins: Qatar have a goal!

Qatari substitute Mohammed Muntari gives the host a lifeline with a brilliant goal. The ball is worked over to the byline on the right hand side and Ismail Mohamad manages to keep it alive.

There’s no urgency from Senegal to close him down so he has time to pick his spot in the box. He sends in the cross and Muntari leaps towards the ball, meeting it with a powerful header that leaves Edouard Mendy rooted to the spot.

Game on!

Qatar 0-2 Senegal

14:37 , Michael Jones

72 mins: Homam performs a showy spin over the ball on the left wing and gets clipped by Nampalys Mendy winning Qatar a free kick.

The free kick is floated over to the back post where Boualem Khoukhi volleys a pass back across goal. The ball hits Famara Diedhou and bounces behind for a corner.

This is good pressure from Qatar. If they can score then there’ll be an exciting finish to this game.

Qatar 0-2 Senegal

14:33 , Michael Jones

69 mins: Close! Senegal had seemingly switched off having taken a two goal lead but they work it nicely down the right side and slip Nampalys Mendy into the box.

He brings the ball under control then shoots on the spin, lifting his effort just over the crossbar. The more Qatar press forward the more opportunities Senegal will get to extend their lead.

Qatar 0-2 Senegal

14:31 , Michael Jones

66 mins: Save! Edouard Mendy take a bow!

Another fantastic cross from almost gets Qatar their first goal of the World Cup. This one comes in from the left wing and picks out the late run from Ismail Mohamad. He meets the ball with a volley off his shin but he’s close to goal and it takes a reactionary save from Mendy to lift it wide of the post!

Qatar 0-2 Senegal

14:28 , Michael Jones

63 mins: Save! Edouard Mendy was fuming over Hassan long-ranged effort and he’s annoyed agains after coming to the resuce for Senegal.

Qatar flicks the ball into the box and Almoez Ali bursts in between the centre-backs, brings the ball down on his chest then guides a left-footed effort towards the near bottom corner.

The ball is sneaking in but Mendy’s low, full-length dive pushes it wide of the upright!

Qatar 0-2 Senegal

14:26 , Michael Jones

60 mins: Oh hello! Abdelkarim Hassan receives the ball about 25-30 yards out from goal and Senegal allow him time in possession. There’s not much on for the midfielder so he rolls the ball to the right and belts a lovely strike at goal!

He catches it well and just curls it wide of the far post with Edouard Mendy leaping across to make sure it doesn’t sneak in.

Qatar 0-2 Senegal

14:20 , Michael Jones

57 mins: Qatar’s free kick is chipped into the penalty area and a knockout down drops kindly to Hassan who boots the ball towards goal only for his effort to get blocked. Senegal the scurry the ball clear.

Qatar have more men in forward positions though and Senegal are giving them space to run into.

Qatar 0-2 Senegal

14:18 , Michael Jones

54 mins: Hassan Al-Haydos isn’t happy with the refereeing. Ismail Jakobs takes Ismail Mohamad’s legs out from under him as the Qatar defender sweeps down the right side.

The referee awards a free kick but Al-Haydos is adamant that a card needs to come out.

Qatar 0-2 Senegal

14:14 , Michael Jones

51 mins: That’s just what Senegal needed. A second goal to give themselves a cushion in the match and to reignite their World Cup campaign after the opening defeat to the Netherlands.

Qatar have nothing to lose now. They need to at least draw this game to remain in the tournament so may as well fling men up the pitch and take the game to Senegal.

GOAL! Qatar 0-2 Senegal (Diedhou, 48’)⚽️

14:11 , Michael Jones

48 mins: Famara Diedhou adds a second!

This is a lovely goal from Senegal. They win a corner and swing a pacey cross into the middle. Diedhou makes a run towards the near post, gets ahead of his marker and whips a headed effort into the far bottom corner!

Senegal double their lead and look in full control of the game now.

Second half: Qatar 0-1 Senegal

14:09 , Michael Jones

Kick off: Senegal get the ball rolling for the second half at the Al Thumama Stadium. No changes have been made during the break. What can the teams conjure over the second 45 minutes.

Remember whoever loses today is out of the World Cup.

Iran strike late to leave Wales on the brink after Wayne Hennessey receives World Cup’s first red card

14:06 , Michael Jones

“Don’t take me home” became an anthem of Wales in 2016 but the danger is they will soon be booking their flights. The latest of late drama felt a fatal blow to their hopes of extending their stay in Qatar, goals in the 98th and 101st minutes earning Iran the victory they thoroughly deserved but which thanks to a combination of the uprights, the most marginal of offsides and some inspired goalkeeping, they seemed set to be denied.

Yet Wayne Hennessey’s day will not be remembered for his stops from Sardar Azmoun and Saeid Ezatolahi, crucial as they seemed at the time.

If Wales have had World Cup history on their minds, it was invariably 1958, not 1982 or 2010. Then Hennessey offered echoes of Toni Schumacher in the semi-final 40 years ago and Nigel de Jong in the final in South Africa to earn the sending off they somehow escaped – albeit when, ludicrously, the referee initially only booked him before being sent to the monitor - and the first red card of the 2022 tournament with the highest and latest challenge seen yet in Qatar.

Iran strike late to leave Wales on the brink after Hennessey red card

HT Qatar 0-1 Senegal

14:02 , Michael Jones

Will Senegal be able to hold on this lead against Qatar? The African champions haven’t exactly set this tournament alight yet but the hosts haven’t really threatened.

Qatar are yet to have a shot on target in one and a half games at the World Cup.

HT Qatar 0-1 Senegal

13:56 , Michael Jones

Boulaye Dia sent Senegal ahead after a poor attempted clearance from Boualem Khouki.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Half-time: Qatar 0-1 Senegal

13:53 , Michael Jones

45+7 mins: There’s the whistle for half-time. Senegal have done just enough to get themselves in front and Qatar have offered little in response.

They probably should have had a penalty though after Ismaila Sarr’s clumsy challenge on Akram Afif. As it stands though Qatar are on the way out of the World Cup.

Qatar 0-1 Senegal

13:48 , Michael Jones

45+3 mins: Homam Ahmed lunges into a tackle on Youssef Sabaly and arrives late, scraping his studs down the shin of the Senegalese defender.

He goes in the book for the tackle and Senegal pump the ball up the pitch.

Qatar 0-1 Senegal

13:46 , Michael Jones

45 mins: Seven minutes of stoppage time to play before the end of the first half. Qatar need to come up with a new plan, they’ve only created one of two chances and both have come from breakaways.

Now that they’re behind they can’t rely on counter-attacks.

Qatar 0-1 Senegal

13:45 , Michael Jones

43 mins: Hopefully that goal feeds some confidence into Senegal. They’ve got themselves in front and will want a second to take a firm grip on the game.

Qatari teammates Pedro Miguel and Ismail Mohamad clatter into each other as they both attempt to reach an aerial ball with Miguel coming away worse.

GOAL! Qatar 0-1 Senegal (Dia, 41’)⚽️

13:41 , Michael Jones

41 mins: Mistake from Qatar and Senegal lead!

Krepin Diatta curls a pass into the penalty area from the left wing and hits the ball straight to Boualem Khouki. He tries to clear it with his first touch and stumbles, knocking the ball loose.

Boulaye Dia is on hand to get to the ball and he rattles it into the back of the net. That’s the bit of luck Senegal needed in this game.

Qatar 0-0 Senegal

13:38 , Michael Jones

36 mins: It’s been a scratchy and lackadaisical performance from Senegal so far. They’re not playing with pace and seem to have an issue communicating between themselves especially in the final third.

Qatar 0-0 Senegal

13:36 , Michael Jones

33 mins: Penalty shout! This is a close one.

Out of nowhere Qatar cut through Senegal with two simple passes. The first comes to Almoez Ali who turns the ball around the corner for Akram Afif. He drives into the box, then steps ahead of Ismaila Sarr who is desperately trying to get back to defend.

Afif goes down after the collision but the referee waves his appeal away. Bizarrely VAR doesn’t seem to take a look at the incident either.

That seemed like a decent shout from the hosts.

Qatar 0-0 Senegal

13:32 , Michael Jones

30 mins: Barsham comes flying off his line as Sarr is played into the box by a long ball. The goalkeeper seemingly mistimes the challenge but deflects the ball into the legs of Sarr making him miscontrol it.

Homam Ahmed then takes a knock and needs a bit of treatment.

Qatar 0-0 Senegal

13:29 , Michael Jones

27 mins: Senegal have had five attempts already with only one shot on target. The cross comes in from the right and Meshaal Barsham punches it out of the area.

Youssouf Sabaly is waiting on the edge of the box though and he fizzes a first time effort just wide of the near post.

Qatar 0-0 Senegal

13:26 , Michael Jones

24 mins: Chance! That’s nice from Senegal. The operate around the edge of the Qatar box before Idrissa Gueye plays a sharp one-two with Famara Diedhou.

When he’s given the ball back, Gueye lets fly from range and pulls his effort narrowly wide of the left-hand post.

Qatar 0-0 Senegal

13:21 , Michael Jones

21 mins: Ismail Mohamad collects the first yellow card of the game for taking out Boulaye Dia from behind in the middle of the pitch.

It hasn’t all gone Senegal’s way but they’ve had the majority of possession without really penetrating Qatar’s well packed defence.

Qatar 0-0 Senegal

13:19 , Michael Jones

18 mins: Close! Senegal win a corner that gets swung into the middle of the box. Abdou Diallo and Famara Diedhou are waiting for the ball but it drops over Diallo as Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham comes off his line.

He flaps at the ball and gets a slight touch which takes it away from Diedhou who manages to get a head to it anyway but can’t guide it on target.

It bounces wide of the back post to safety.

Qatar 0-0 Senegal

13:16 , Michael Jones

15 mins: Chance! Positive signs from Qatar as they nicely work the ball down the right wing. The cross comes into the middle of the box targetting Boualem Khouki but Kalidu Koulibaly beats him in the air.

The Senegalese defender nods the ball out of the box where it drops for Akram Afif who fizzes a shot over the crossbar!

Qatar 0-0 Senegal

13:13 , Michael Jones

12 mins: Ismail Jakobs is fed the ball over on the left wing for Senegal and he swings in a decent cross only for Boualem Khouki to head it clear.

Qatar are pinned inside their own half at the minute and are being asked to steadfastly defend. Senegal will want to take advantage of this pressure.

Qatar 0-0 Senegal

13:09 , Michael Jones

9 mins: A driving run from Akram Afif excites the Qatari crowd as he storms down the left wing. A squared pass inside gives the ball to Abdelkarim Hassan who miscontrols it and allows Senegal to poke it back to Edouard Mendy in goal.

This has been a brighter start from Qatar though.

Shot! Sarr continues to cause problems out on the right. He pulls a cross into the middle but the ball comes bouncing out to Nampalys Mendy.

Mendy flicks it up and volleys an effort wide of the left-hand post.

Qatar 0-0 Senegal

13:05 , Michael Jones

6 mins: Chance! The opening attack comes from Senegal as Sarr is given the ball on the right side of the pitch. He drives down the line before cutting into the box and shifting around a defender.

Sarr shoots from a tight angle as Assim Madibo gets across to deflect the effort into the side netting. The referee doesn’t see the deflection though and Qatar are awarded a goal kick.

Qatar 0-0 Senegal

13:03 , Michael Jones

3 mins: A crossfield pass comes over to the right wing where Youssouf Sabaly has pushed high up the pitch for Senegal.

He decides to nod it up the byline in an attempt to get Ismaila Sarr in behind but the forward is held in check and the ball bounces out for a goal kick.

Kick off: Qatar 0-0 Senegal

13:01 , Michael Jones

The host get the ball rolling and send it long down the left wing. The ball is intercepted and Senegal take over possession. The pass it into midfield but a well-timed tackle from Karim Boudiaf wins the ball back for Qatar.

Nice start from the midfielder.

Qatar vs Senegal

12:55 , Michael Jones

Here come the teams. They stride out onto the pitch before the national anthems are played.

Qatar would become the first ever host nation to get knocked out of the World Cup after two games if they lose today.

Kick off is up next...

Qatar vs Senegal

12:50 , Michael Jones

The fans have arrived at the Al Thumama Stadium ahead of kick off at 1pm.

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
 (REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Qatar vs Senegal

12:47 , Michael Jones

On the sixth day of the World Cup, the best of a continent will probably be lost. Senegal against Qatar pits the African Cup of Nations winners against the Asian Cup champions. The loser may be eliminated with a game to go and less than a week of the tournament played. The possibility is that officially the best sides in two huge confederations will not figure in the World Cup’s last 16.

“It is two teams up against a wall,” Senegal manager Aliou Cisse said. “We are talking about two champions, the Asian champions and the African champions, and you can imagine the importance. If you lose your opening game, you are up against a brick wall. However, we do have experience under our belts and we have played other difficult games under the same level of stress and intensity. We know we need to knuckle down and pull everything together to pull out that win.”

Qatar vs Senegal big match preview by Richard Jolly

Continental champions ‘up against a wall’ as Senegal and Qatar face do-or-die clash

World Cup 2022: Qatar vs Senegal

12:40 , Michael Jones

Qatar want to prove they can compete at the highest level when they face Senegal, coach Felix Sanchez said on the eve of a clash that may thwart their World Cup hopes.

The Asian champions are hoping to avoid becoming only the second hosts to be eliminated in the first round at the finals after South Africa in 2010.

Qatar lost 2-0 to Ecuador in the opening game of the tournament after a disappointing performance, causing many fans to leave the stadium 20 minutes before the end.

“Hopefully we can play freely and without pressure and be better than what happened in the first game, this team have a point to prove,” Sanchez told a news conference.

“Matches are controlled by many factors, but the most important thing is to give our best, in the World Cup if you don’t give your best you will be punished.”

Qatar vs Senegal

12:32 , Michael Jones

Should this clash end in anything but a draw we will know who the first team to be knocked out of the World Cup is. Qatar and Senegal both lost their opening fixtures and are in danger of getting booted out of the tournament.

Defeat this afternoon for either team will see them resigned to that fate but victory would put them close to the knockout rounds.

Senegal come into the match as the big favourites especially after an decent performance against the Netherlands but Qatar have made some changes - including swapping out the goalkeeper - which they hope will provide more of a threat to the African champions.

Qatar vs Senegal line-ups

12:23 , Michael Jones

Qatar XI: Barsham; Miguel, Mohamad, Khoukhi, Hassan, Ahmad; Al-Haydos, Boudiaf, Madibo; Ali, Afif

Senegal XI: Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Jakobs, Diallo; Gueye, N. Mendy; Diatta, Diedhou, Sarr; Dia

World Cup 2022: Qatar vs Senegal

12:22 , Jamie Braidwood

Senegal centre back Kalidou Koulibaly, who is also Edouard Mendy’s team mate at Chelsea, said people were over-reacting about the keeper’s form.

“We play at the same club and we are also brothers in arms for Senegal, Edouard is a very important player for us, it is normal to go through difficult phases - I think we are making a mountain out of a mole hill here,” he said.

Senegal, robbed of their top attacking talent after Sadio Mane was injured in the lead-up to the tournament, were crowned African champions by beating Egypt on penalties in February, while Friday’s opponents Qatar are the Asian champions.

Cisse’s side were knocked out in the group stage four years ago and are unlikely to better that if they don’t win on Friday.

“We have our back against the wall but we are Lions, the Lions of Teranga,” said Koulibaly.

“We will give everything to continue with the dream and to let the Senegalese people dream. We don’t want to disappoint the Senegalese population. What is certain is that the behaviour and mentality tomorrow will be that of warriors.”

 (AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Qatar vs Senegal

12:10 , Jamie Braidwood

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse has total trust in goalkeeper Edouard Mendy despite his rocky start to the World Cup campaign.

Mendy, who Cisse said had a steely resolve and was a certain starter for their second Group A game against Qatar on Friday, was arguably at fault for both goals in his side’s opening 2-0 loss to the Netherlands.

The defeat has left the African champions with work to do to escape a group that also includes an Ecuador side who made light work of hosts Qatar in their opening match.

His place in the Senegal side, however, is not under threat, with Cisse confident in his keeper’s mental strength.

“Edouard is doing very well, he has got a steely resolve,” Cisse told reporters on Thursday.

“Edouard’s qualities speak for themselves, I don’t think that anyone is doubting him, sometimes he has highs, sometimes he has lows, he has my full trust, my blind trust, and that of his team mates. Tomorrow he will be on the pitch.”

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

World Cup 2022: Qatar vs Senegal

11:55 , Jamie Braidwood

Senegal could not replace Sadio Mane at the World Cup , and if that much was not already clear it has now been emphatically underlined. As Senegal and the Netherlands were dragged into a match that cried out for a moment of individual inspiration, the Lions of Teranga were missing the source of theirs. This was a chance for Senegal against a Netherlands side who failed to impress and live up to its promise, but the opening closed as Cody Gakpo found the gap between Edouard Mendy and their defensive line.

“Any team would miss a player of Mane’s class and status, but it is a pain that can only be felt by Senegal in Qatar. “He is our best player, the leader in that respect,” said their manager Aliou Cisse, as the news sunk in that the country’s talisman, record goalscorer, and the hero of the most significant moment of their football history would play no part due to injury. It was the cruellest of blows ahead of a tournament where Senegal, the champions of Africa, dreamed of breaking new ground. Mane’s injury made that task harder, and it’s even more improbable now.”

Senegal stare into the void left behind by Sadio Mane

World Cup 2022: Qatar vs Senegal

11:42 , Richard Jolly

“Rising out of the desert and out of nothing, the Al-Bayt Stadium provides such an arresting sight that it made for a symbolic choice to host the opening game of the first World Cup ever staged in the Middle East. For the Al-Bayt, perhaps, read Qatar, propelled to prominence by its vast resources and huge ambitions, showcasing them through football.

“The Al-Bayt’s roof is modelled on Bedouin tents rather than, say, the Bet365 Stadium in Stoke, lending it a local feel. Outside, there was a parade of camels, all ridden by men in thawbs, to welcome visitors. For the avoidance of doubt, that is also something rarely seen in Stoke, even if Tony Pulis might have appreciated the camels’ ability to intimidate.

“On a night that offered an illustration of what Qatar’s $220bn did and did not buy them, the first impression, of the Al-Bayt coming into view, might have been the most impressive. A spectacular lightshow and a firework display that went off perfectly followed, but Qatar delivered neither the performance the hosts required nor the logistical competence to ensure everything worked smoothly.”

Richard Jolly’s piece on Qatar’s opening game

Qatar’s opening World Cup impression slips into disaster on and off the pitch

World Cup 2022: Qatar vs Senegal

11:36 , Jamie Braidwood

Qatar goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb was poor in his side’s opener against Ecuador, so he could be dropped for Meshaal Barsham here.

Meanwhile, Abdou Diallo is expected to play despite going off with cramps in Senegal’s loss to Netherlands, but Cheikhou Kouyate is not fit to feature after leaving on a stretcher due to a muscle problem in that game.

Like his opposite number in the Qatar goal, Senegal’s Edouard Mendy could be dropped after a dreadful performance last time out.

Senegal’s star forward Sadio Mane remains out with injury, meanwhile, and will miss the whole tournament.

Predicted line-ups

Qatar XI: Barsham; Pedro Miguel, Khoukhi, Salman, A Hassan, Ahmed; Al Haydos, Boudiaf, Hatem; Ali, Afif

Senegal XI: Dieng; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Cisse, Diallo; I Gueye, N Mendy; Ndiaye, I Sarr, Diatta, Dia

11:34 , Jamie Braidwood

Qatar didn’t show anywhere near enough quality in their loss to Ecuador to suggest that they will fare any better here. Qatar 0-2 Senegal.

Qatar – 5/1

Senegal – 8/13

Draw – 11/4

Via Betfair.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website