Senegal advanced to the World Cup knockout rounds for just the second time in their history following Kalidou Koulibaly’s composed volley against Ecuador at a loud Khalifa International Stadium.
Ecuador’s Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo cancelled out a penalty by Watford’s Ismaila Sarr before Chelsea defender Koulibaly’s side-footer won it.
Ecuador only needed one point to advance, but they paid a price for their inaction as Senegal’s supporters in Al Rayyan provided an almost constant cacophony of drumming that encouraged them to play harder.
The African champions took the lead rightfully after Watford winger Sarr was carelessly upended by Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie and calmly converted the penalty.
Caicedo’s goal off of a flick-on from Felix Torres gave Ecuador their first meaningful opportunity to tie the game, but Senegal quickly took the lead again thanks to Koulibaly’s calm finish. Senegal understood that only win would be enough to advance, barring an unlikely Qatar victory over the Netherlands.
The Dutch took first place in Group A after defeating the tournament hosts for the third time in three games with an easy 2-0 victory in Al Khor. They held out through a tense six minutes of stoppage time.
Given that the Lions of Teranga will next play the Group B champions, a spot Gareth Southgate’s squad might secure later on Tuesday, Aliou Cisse’s team could be England’s last-16 opponent.
