Following the stalemate between the Netherlands and Ecuador on Friday November 25, Qatar is now the first team to be officially eliminated from the elimination phase. As the only other host nation to be eliminated in the group stage, they join South Africa.
In their Sunday World Cup opener against Ecuador, Qatar was defeated 2-0. On Friday, the team returned to the pitch in an effort to defeat Senegal. Qatar put up a strong showing and scored its first World Cup goal, but it was unable to match the speed of the Senegalese forwards, who scored three goals to secure the 3-1 victory.
After their second straight defeat, Qatar was already all but out, but it still held out hope for a mathematical miracle reliant on Ecuador defeating the Netherlands. When the two teams tied, it turned out that was wishful thinking, and a few hours later, the final nail was driven.
With four points each, Netherland and Ecuador are now tied for first place, followed by Senegal with three points whilst the host nation lies at the bottom of the Group A. Tuesday’s match between Ecuador and Senegal will determine whether team advances to the Round of 16, while a draw would favour Ecuador. The Netherlands will progress if they defeat Qatar or draw with them.
On Tuesday against the Netherlands, Qatar will play one more game on the field.
