Ecuador missed out on securing a place in the round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar. The Tricolor needed a draw against Senegal to qualify, but the African team managed to win 2-1.
The team coached by Gustavo Alfaro dominated the game throughout the match, but Senegal was more effective. For the first 43 minutes of the game, Ecuador held on to its place in the round of 16. But in the 44th minute, the referee awarded a penalty for Piero Hincapie's foul on Ismaila Sarr who scored, bringing the score to 1-0.
Ecuador came back from the break insistent and impulsive. In the 67th minute, Moisés Caicedo tied the score (1-1). With this, the Tricolor once again qualified and the joy of the players and fans was palpable.
But that happiness lasted only 180 seconds. In the 70th minute, Senegalese captain Kalidou Koulibaly scored, making the final score 2-1. He was fortunate considering he scored off of a bad rebound from the Ecuadorian defense.
It was a sad ending for Ecuador after a great group stage where the results just did not go their way.
The Netherlands go through to round of 16
The Dutch team delivered. Their 2-0 win to Qatar not only made them qualify for the round of 16, but also put them at the top of the group.
The Netherlands dominated the game from the very first minute. One of the players who is making a big impact at the World Cup is Cody Gakpo. The Dutch forward scored (1-0) in the 27th minute, becoming the only player to score in every game of this World Cup so far.
It's #NED 's revelation at the World Cup! 🔥
⚽ Gakpo's third goal in #Qatar2022.
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- Gol Mundial (@Gol) November 29, 2022
Frenkie de Jong sealed the deal in the 49th minute (2-0) by scoring a goal off a rebound. It was a great play by the Netherlands.
After these matches, Group A is as follows: Netherlands (7 points), Senegal (6), Ecuador (5) and Qatar (0).
