Qatar has become the first host nation in a FIFA World Cup tournament to be eliminated from the competition without gaining at least a point. The second host nation after South Africa (in 2010) to be eliminated in the group stage.
They failed to secure any point as they lost all three games against Ecuador, Senegal and the Netherlands respectively.
The Asian country who is making their world cup debut failed to excite their home crowd as they finished bottom of Group A.
European heavyweights and 2010 FIFA World Cup runners-up, the Netherlands expectedly finished top of Group A after amassing seven points. They defeated the host 2-0 in the final group game.
Goals from Cody Gakpo and Frenkie De Jong confirmed that they will be in the Round of 16 this coming weekend against the runners-up of Group B.
Despite an opening day win against Qatar, Ecuador will be heading home after losing 2-1 to Senegal in the final group game on Monday.
It was Kalidou Koulibaly‘s goal that sealed the win for the reigning African champions at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Aliou Cisse‘s side went into the game a point adrift of their opponents, but a deserved victory saw them secure second spot in Group A behind the Netherlands, who beat hosts Qatar in the group’s other game.
Senegal were brightest from the outset and went ahead in the 44th minute when Watford winger Ismaila Sarr coolly slid home from the penalty spot after he had been fouled.
Moises Caicedo pulled Ecuador level midway through the second half, but Chelsea defender Koulibaly popped up in the 70th minute to restore Senegal’s lead and send them into the last 16.
Here is how Group A finished.
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