Senegal produced a commanding second-half display to thrash 10-man Iraq 5-0, keeping their FIFA World Cup knockout hopes alive while eliminating the Asian side from the tournament.
Senegal Overcome Frustrating First Half
Needing victory to remain in contention for a place among the competition’s best third-placed teams, the Teranga Lions recovered from a frustrating first half to overwhelm Iraq after the break at Toronto Stadium. Habib Diarra handed Senegal an early advantage with a deflected effort before Iraq’s hopes suffered a major setback when defender Rebin Sulaka was sent off in the 13th minute following a VAR review for denying Sadio Mané a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Second-Half Dominance Seals Victory
Despite their numerical advantage, Senegal had to wait until the second half to take complete control. Ismaïla Sarr doubled the lead, becoming Senegal’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with his fourth goal at the tournament. Substitute Pape Gueye then stole the spotlight, scoring twice within minutes after coming off the bench, before fellow substitute Iliman Ndiaye completed the rout with a stunning strike.
Coach Thiaw Praises Gueye but Demands More
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw praised Gueye’s impact while urging his players to maintain higher standards. “I think he was very motivated. He wanted to serve his country and he scored two goals, so we must congratulate him,” Thiaw said. Despite the convincing scoreline, the coach insisted there was still room for improvement. “Even though we scored five goals, there are still improvements to be made,” he added.
Senegal’s Knockout Fate Uncertain
The victory lifted Senegal to third place in Group I with three points and a positive goal difference, leaving the African side awaiting results from the remaining groups to determine whether they advance to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. Iraq exited the World Cup without collecting a point from three matches.
Dembele Hat-Trick Fires France to Top Spot
Ousmane Dembele produced a dazzling first-half hat-trick as France secured top spot in Group I with a convincing 4-1 victory over an under-strength Norway in their final FIFA World Cup group-stage match. The winger struck three times inside 25 minutes, becoming only the third French player to score a World Cup hat-trick after Just Fontaine and Kylian Mbappe. Desire Doue added a late fourth as France completed a perfect group campaign with three consecutive victories.
France Dedicate Win to Deschamps
Assistant coach Guy Stephan said the performance was dedicated to head coach Didier Deschamps, who returned to France to attend his mother’s funeral. “We really wanted to be there for Didier and to be up to the task,” Stephan said. Already assured of qualification, France will face Sweden in the Round of 32, while Norway, who rested several key players, including Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, advanced as Group I runners-up to meet Ivory Coast.
Cape Verde Script World Cup History
Cape Verde continued their remarkable FIFA World Cup debut by reaching the Round of 32 after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia, setting up a blockbuster clash with defending champions Argentina. The result, coupled with Spain’s victory over Uruguay, secured second place in Group H for Cape Verde, making the island nation of around 500,000 people the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup knockout stage.
Livramento Proud of Team’s Style
Forward Dailon Livramento praised his side’s commitment to playing positive football despite missing several chances. “We tried to play football; we tried to play our own style. This was the match where we were able to show that,” Livramento said. “For now, we’re just going to celebrate.” Saudi Arabia bowed out of the tournament after finishing with two points from three matches.
Baena Fires Spain into Knockouts
Alex Baena’s first-half strike guided Spain to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uruguay, securing top spot in Group H and a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Baena broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute with a powerful effort that slipped through veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, proving enough to eliminate Uruguay from the tournament.
De la Fuente Praises Team
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised his players for overcoming another stern challenge. “Today’s game really put us to the test. We’ve played some very demanding matches, and the team always steps up,” he said. Baena added: “We knew it was going to be a tough match. We didn’t show our best form, but we competed very well.”
Belgium Storm into Knockouts
Leandro Trossard scored twice as Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1 to finish top of Group G and secure a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers also found the net in an impressive attacking display, while Lukaku became Belgium’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with his sixth tournament goal.
Trossard Confident in Belgium’s Growth
“We have performed very well. We are happy because we’re number one,” Trossard said. “Now we have to go to the Round of 32, and we’re all ready to deliver. I think we’re growing into the tournament.” New Zealand exited the competition with one point from three matches.
Iran Left Sweating on World Cup Fate
Iran were left anxiously awaiting their FIFA World Cup fate after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Egypt, with a stoppage-time winner ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Mahmoud Saber gave already-qualified Egypt an early lead before Ramin Rezaeian equalised in an entertaining opening spell.
Ghalenoei Laments Lack of Reward
Iran thought Shoja Khalilzadeh had snatched a decisive winner deep into added time, only for the goal to be disallowed. “Over these three matches, we did not get the reward for our efforts. Footballing justice was not on our side,” Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said. Iran finished third in Group G with three points and must await results elsewhere to learn their knockout-stage fate.
