World
World Cup 2022: Qatar out of tournament – first-ever host nation to be eliminated after just two games
Qatar are out of the World Cup – the first time a host nation has been eliminated after two games.
The Netherlands’ 1-1 draw with Ecuador on Friday was enough to seal the Middle Eastern country’s fate after the home side lost 3-1 to Senegal earlier in the day.
Last Sunday, Qatar were defeated 2-0 by Ecuador in the tournament opener. They are on 0 points and a goal difference of -4.
FIFA’s match attendance figures questioned – World Cup latest
Some of Qatar’s players looked dejected after Senegal went 2-0 up in their game
Qatar still have to play their third group match on Tuesday, against the Netherlands.
But even if the hosts won that clash, they would still only be on 3 points and would not be able to finish Group A in the top two.
Only the winner and runner-up in each group go through to the last 16 stage of the competition.
The Netherlands and Ecuador are both on 4 points.
Senegal, the African champions, lie in third spot with 3 points and theoretically could still progress if they overcome Ecuador on Tuesday.
At the Khalifa Stadium, the Dutch went in front thanks to a stunning strike from PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo on 6 minutes.
Ecuador’s Enner Valencia scored against the Netherlands
Read more:
10-man Wales lose to Iran in World Cup after suffering two late goals
Ecuador then levelled matters in the 49th minute courtesy of Enner Valencia who tapped in his third goal of the tournament.
The South Americans had a goal from Brighton wing-back Pervis Estupinan disallowed on the stroke of half-time and also hit the bar close to the hour mark through Gonzalo Plata.