Ecuador eliminated from the World Cup

Ecuador became the second team in World Cup history to be eliminated in the group stage, after winning the opening match. The first time was in 1930 when France won their first match and was eliminated.

Senegal defeated Ecuador 2-1 in a dramatic match to advance to the knockout stage at the Khalifa International Stadium. Needing a win, Senegal took the lead in the first half with a penalty kick. Ecuador tied the game in the 67th minute, which would have eliminated the Senegalese. However, the Africans scored three minutes later to secure a bid in the round of 16.

Senegal, even without Bayern Munich star Sadio Mane (injured), is through to the round of 16 after finishing second in Group A.

Even with their star, Enner Valencia, in the lineup following an injury in the previous match, Ecuador struggled to find a rhythm. But that changed in the second half, when two substitutions and a more aggressive approach allowed the South American squad to take control.

Ecuador’s midfielders and forwards pressed and created chances, culminating in a goal kicked off with a free-kick in the 67th minute. Moisés Caicedo nailed a header into the back of the goal. But the celebration was short-lived. Barely two minutes later, Koulibaly let the ball bounce once after a poor clearance in the box and finished off with his right foot past Galíndez, securing Senegal’s place in the second round.

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