Senegal delivered a commanding performance, securing a crucial 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq in their Group I finale. The substitute Pape Gueye shone brightly, netting two spectacular long-range goals in the second half, significantly enhancing Senegal’s goal difference.
Ismaïla Sarr also contributed to the scoreline with his third goal of the tournament, marking the first of four second-half goals for the Lions of Teranga. This victory allowed Senegal to finish third in their group, putting them in contention for one of the eight third-place spots in the knockout stage.
With a current goal difference of +2, Senegal holds the fifth-best record among third-place teams, although four other teams below them still have yet to complete their final group matches.
The scoring opened early as Habib Diarra found the net in the fourth minute while both teams were at full strength. Iliman Ndiaye capped off the scoring in the 82nd minute with a long-range shot.
Iraq’s journey in this World Cup came to an end with this match, marking their second elimination from the tournament and their first since 1986. Despite being considered underdogs, their chances dwindled significantly after Rebin Sulaka was sent off in the 13th minute for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Initially, referee Anthony Taylor issued a yellow card after Sadio Mané maneuvered past Sulaka, who then pulled him back with an outstretched arm. However, after consulting the video monitor, Taylor upgraded the yellow card to red.
Despite a frustrating first half, Senegal transformed their performance after halftime, igniting a scoring spree.
Lamine Camara played a pivotal role in setting up Sarr’s goal in the 56th minute, capitalizing on a turnover in Iraq’s box. He dribbled to the byline and delivered a precise low cross that allowed the Crystal Palace forward to finish easily.
Gueye, who came on shortly after Sarr’s goal, quickly made his presence felt. Just before the hour mark, he received a pass from Sarr near the right corner of the box, dribbled left, and unleashed a stunning left-footed shot that curled past the diving Jalal Hassan into the top corner.
In the 71st minute, Gueye showcased his striking prowess once more, running onto a bouncing pass from Ndiaye and delivering a powerful half-volley that left Hassan with little chance to react as it hit the back of the net.
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