In a commanding performance, Senegal secured a 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq, significantly improving their goal difference in the Group I finale. The standout player, Pape Gueye, delivered two remarkable long-range goals in the second half, providing the Lions of Teranga with a much-needed boost.
Ismaïla Sarr contributed to the scoreline with his third goal of the tournament, marking the first of four goals for Senegal after the break. This decisive win allowed Senegal to finish third in the group, as they now compete for one of the eight available third-place spots in the knockout stage.
Currently, Senegal boasts the fifth-best record among third-place teams, with a goal difference of +2. However, the situation remains fluid as four teams below them have yet to complete their final group matches.
Habib Diarra set the tone early, finding the net in the fourth minute while both teams were still at full strength. Iliman Ndiaye sealed the victory with a powerful long-range strike in the 82nd minute.
Iraq’s hopes of securing their first World Cup points were dashed after Rebin Sulaka was sent off in the 13th minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. Referee Anthony Taylor initially issued a yellow card after Sulaka fouled Sadio Mané but changed the decision to a red after reviewing the incident on video.
Despite being a man down, Senegal struggled to capitalize on their advantage in the first half. However, the second half saw a completely different approach from the Lions of Teranga.
Lamine Camara played a crucial role in setting up Sarr’s goal in the 56th minute, causing Iraq to turn over possession in their own box. He skillfully dribbled to the byline and delivered a low cross that allowed Sarr to easily score into an empty net.
Shortly after Sarr’s goal, Gueye made his presence felt. Just before the hour mark, he received a pass from Sarr near the right corner of the box, dribbled to his left, and unleashed a stunning left-footed shot that curled past goalkeeper Jalal Hassan into the top corner.
In the 71st minute, Gueye struck again, connecting with a bouncing pass from Ndiaye to unleash a thunderous half-volley that left Hassan with no chance as it bulged the net.
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