Senegal and The Netherlands became the first teams to advance to the round of 16 of the Qatar 2022 World Cup after both won their Group A fixtures today.
The African champions defeated Ecuador 2-1 to finish second in the group, while The Netherlands cruised past Qatar 2-0 to top the standings.
Senegal took the lead at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha just before half-time, with Ismaila Sarr converting a penalty that had been awarded for a foul against him.
Ecuador needed a draw to book their place in the knockout rounds and they were level in the 68th minute through Moises Caicedo.
The Teranga Lions roared back immediately though, retaking the lead two minutes later through captain Kalidou Koulibaly as they reached the knockout rounds for the second time in their history.
They had advanced to the quarter-finals on their World Cup debut in 2002 when their current head coach Aliou Cisse was the captain of the team.
In the other Group A clash going on simultaneously, Cody Gakpo, with Gus third goal of the tournament, and Frenkie de Jong scored in each half at the Al Bayt Stadium to ensure The Netherlands finished first and condemn the hosts to three straight defeats.
The Netherlands claimed seven points and Senegal garnered six.
The Teranga Lions will face the winners of Group B in the round of 16 on Sunday, while The Netherlands will battle Group B runners-up a day earlier.
The top two teams from Group B will emerge tonight, with England, Iran, the United States of America and Wales all in contention.
