Senegal scores on an error to lead 1-0 over Qatar.
After 60 minutes of a World Cup match that both teams really wanted to win, Senegal led Qatar 2-0. Ismail Jakobs’ corner was met by Famara Diedhiou’s rocket header in the 48th minute, giving Senegal a two-goal lead.
Boualem Khoukhi, a Qatari defender, made a terrible clearance in the 41st minute, resulting in the ball going nowhere. Senegal’s opening goal was made possible by Boulaye Dia’s opportunity to sweep in and score from close range.
Senegal continued to control possession while Qatar struggled to respond and failed to register a shot on goal throughout this phase of the match. After firing a shot that was wide, Abdelkarim Hassan stuck out his tongue in annoyance—a frequent sight in Qatar.
Observe the following:
The game had progressed in traditional World Cup fashion. Senegal, the more powerful squad, attempted to set up in the conventional way by moving the ball forward, passing, crossing, and ultimately trying to get a good shot.
In order to surprise the more aggressive team, the weaker team (Qatar) held back and waited for openings to immediately break forward.
But following Senegal’s opening goal, Qatar was compelled to adopt a more offensive stance. At least in the last moments of the half, it struggled to generate much momentum.
The best chance for Qatar was to appeal a penalty. It appeared as though a penalty would have been awarded when its star, Akram Asif, tumbled in the area during a break in the 35th minute. But the official let the teams continue.
The World Cup record for both teams is 0-1 thus far.