In a must-win match, a confident Senegal team downed Ecuador 2-1 on Tuesday to enter the knock-out round of 16.

Ecuador just needed a draw against Senegal to progress, but could not do so.

Despite having more possession, Ecuador’s attack was not so effective as they could master only 9 shots on goal as compared to 14 by Senegal.

In the first half, Ismail Sarr made a run inside the penalty box. Ecuador defender Hincapie ran into Sarr and in a clumsy manner, knocked him down conceding a penalty.

Sarr drove a low shot to the left with the keeper Galindez unmoved to score from the penalty as Senegal took the lead, both in the match and in the points table.

In the second half, a good display by Plata earned Ecuador a corner.

Plata delivered a beautiful corner kick which was flicked by Torres into the feet of Caicedo for a simple finish to the back of the net.

Ecuador equalised with the goal and overtook Senegal in the points table.

Within three minutes of Ecuador’s equaliser, Senegal restored its lead by scoring their second goal.

A curling cross by Gueye could not be dealt with by the defenders and Koulibaly sent a volley into the back of the net.

That qualified feeling. pic.twitter.com/wwgxAsSMbn

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 29, 2022

Senegal held on to the lead to win 2-1 and finish second in the points table behind Netherlands to proceed into the knock-out round of 16, where they will play against the topper of Group B.

In the other match, a dominant Netherlands had it easy in its last group match played against hosts Qatar to enter the knock-out round of 16

Cody Gakpo, who had scored with a powerful left footer in the match against Ecuador, scored a similar goal but this time with the right foot.

In the 26th minute, he dribbled away from three defenders and scored a beautiful goal with a right-footer low shot to the left corner.

⚽️ v Senegal
⚽️ v Ecuador
⚽️ v Qatar

Cody Gakpo is having an amazing #FIFAWorldCup! 📈

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 29, 2022

Netherland’s lead was doubled in the second half when Memphis Depay’s shot was saved by Qatar keeper Barsham but Frankie De Jong pounced on the rebound to score his first goal of the tournament.

Netherlands dominated the match having a possession of 67% with 13 shots on goal.

Netherlands topped the group and will face the second placed team of Group B while Senegal will face the table topper of Group B in the round-of 16.