Senegal Dominates Iraq 5-0, Nears World Cup Knockout Stage

Senegal is on the verge of advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup after a commanding 5-0 victory against Iraq in their final group game.

The Lions of Teranga secured a crucial three points, improving their goal difference significantly and positioning themselves as one of the best third-placed teams to progress to the Round of 16.

Habib Diarra opened the scoring in the 4th minute, followed by goals from Ismaila Sarr (56th), Pape Gueye (59th and 71st) with two spectacular long-range shots, and Iliman Ndiaye (82nd). The match was further influenced by an early red card for Iraq’s Rebin Sulaka in the 13th minute due to a professional foul, confirmed by VAR.

Despite losing their first two matches in a tough Group I against France (1-3) and Norway (2-3), Senegal’s dominant performance against Iraq offers a glimmer of hope for a repeat of their impressive debut in 2002, where they reached the quarterfinals. Iraq, with no points, is eliminated as the last-place team in the group.

Sadio Mané Misses a Prime Opportunity

Senegal’s group stage campaign was marred by off-field issues, including delayed bonus payments, poor catering, and uncertainty surrounding the contract extension of their national coach, Pape Thiaw. These matters are reportedly now behind them. The team also had to cope with the absence of their regular goalkeeper, Édouard Mendy, who sustained a knee injury, with Mory Diaw starting in his place.

However, the match against Iraq started positively for Senegal. Diarra scored from a corner, with a header from Abdoulaye Seck being redirected into the net. Shortly after, referee Anthony Taylor showed Sulaka a red card after reviewing VAR for denying Mané a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

While Iraq showed some fight, their attacking threat was minimal. Senegal, despite the man advantage, initially struggled to break down the Iraqi defense. A shot from Ismail Jakobs, a former U21 European Champion with Germany, narrowly missed the target in the 33rd minute. Before halftime, Mané blazed a shot over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area.

In the second half, Senegal asserted their dominance, clearly motivated to score more goals. Following an Iraqi turnover, Senegal quickly transitioned, and Sarr tapped the ball in. Substitutes Gueye and Ndiaye sealed the comprehensive victory.

Winners of the Last Ten World Cups