FIFA World Cup 2022, Group A: Koulibaly comes to rescue as Senegal defeat Ecuador 2-1, Netherlands defeat Qatar 2-0

All teams of Group A were in action on 29 November 2022 in the ongoing FIFA World Cup. The Netherlands faced the host nation Qatar in Al Bayt Stadium. While Ecuador took on Senegal at Khalifa International Stadium. Apart from Qatar, all teams were in contention to get qualified for the knockout stages.

Qatar had a disappointing tournament as they lost both of their first two games. Hence, they were looking to spoil the party for other teams in that group. The Netherlands were looking for the win while both Ecuador and Senegal were looking for three points. So, the stage was set for an emphatic finish for this group.        

Senegal and the Netherlands sealed their places for the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup 2022

Ecuador vs Senegal

Both teams started the game steadily as both sides were looking to avoid an early goal. However, Senegal had since chances within the first 10 minutes of that clash. But, they failed to convert them. Ecuador’s Pervis Estupinan also missed a chance in the 12th minute. Then, in the 24th minute, Ismaila Sarr came close to scoring after he made a cut-in. 

But, his effort went wide off the target. Then, Senegal got a penalty in the 44th minute and Sarr did not do any mistake from the spot. Thus, the first half ended 1-0. In the second half, Moises Caicedo scored the equalizer in the 67th minute for Ecuador. Felix Torres provided the assistance. But, Senegal responded instantly as Kalidou Koulibaly helped his country to take the lead again. However, they sustained their lead and Senegal won the match 2-1 over Ecuador.   

Qatar vs Netherlands

Qatar looked with some intensity since the beginning of the match as they were looking to win their first match in the World Cup. They also came close to scoring within the first 20 minutes. But, they failed to convert. Then, in the 26th minute, Cody Gakpo scored the opener for the Dutch. 

Davy Klaasen provided the assist as it was Gakpo’s third goal in three matches. Thus, the first half ended 1-0. In the second half, Frenkie de Jong scored the second goal for the Netherlands in the 49th minute. Qatar tried to put back some smiles on their fans’ faces. But, they failed to do so as the Netherlands defeated them 2-0 convincingly.