Host nation Qatar crashed out of their own World Cup after they were beaten 3-1 by Senegal and Ecuador held the Netherlands to a draw.
The Gulf state, which has spent an estimated $200 billion to stage football’s global showpiece, become just the second World Cup hosts in history after South Africa in 2010 to bow out in the group stage.
Senegal scored either side of half-time through Boulaye Dia and Famara Diedhiou before Qatar substitute Mohammed Muntari replied in the 78th minute to set up a dramatic finale.
The African champions’ substitute Bamba Dieng scored six minutes later to put the result beyond doubt and lift Senegal, who opened with a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands, right back into contention in Group A.
Qatar’s second successive defeat left the Asian champions relying on Ecuador beating the Dutch a few hours later, but the match ended 1-1 to seal the Qataris’ fate.
Be the first to comment