Ecuador vs. Senegal: Senegal eliminated Ecuador from the World Cup with a 2-1 victory on the last day of Group A.
La Tri just needed one point to go to the knockout rounds, although the Lions of Teranga need all three and showed a stronger effort at the Khalifa International Stadium, earning a match against the Group B champions.
When an Ismail Jakobs cutback avoided numerous yellow players and dropped nicely to the Everton man, he could only hit the side netting from just beyond the six-yard box, and Idrissa Gueye lost a golden opportunity to take the lead in the third minute.
Soon after, Ecuador’s reckless defense gave Boulaye Dia another fantastic chance, avoiding the offside trap to meet a brilliant through ball from Youssouf Sabaly, but he dragged his effort agonizingly wide.
Ismaila Sarr was the next Lions of Teranga player to come close, sitting right-back Angelo Preciado on his backside and cutting onto his right foot, his curling attempt deflecting just over the bar.
Senegal was given a penalty with half-time approaching after Sarr was knocked over by a careless Piero Hincapie, with referee Clement Turpin promptly pointing to the spot. The Watford winger took a stride forward and found the bottom corner.
Ecuador manager Gustavo Alfaro made two substitutions at halftime to attempt to energize his team, but La Tri remained flat and lacked the energy they needed.
Ecuador equalized against the flow of play, with Moises Caicedo tapping in at the back post, gliding away from Ismail Jakobs for the simplest of finishes.
Senegal retook the lead on the other end virtually immediately. Idrissa Gueye’s free-kick was deflected by Pervis Estupinan and dropped sweetly for Kalidou Koulibaly to score from close range.
As Ecuador sought a second equalizer, Gonzalo Plata’s half-volley went right down Edouard Mendy’s throat, while Boulaye Dia hammered one wide on the break at the other end.
Senegal advanced to the knockout rounds for the first time since 2002 after riding out six minutes of stoppage time.
Player ratings for Ecuador against Senegal at the World Cup
Ecuador is number one (4-3-3)
GK: Hernan Galindez – 5/10 – Fooled for the penalty and unable to save Koulibaly’s shot.
Angelo Preciado (4/10) – A persistent liability down Ecuador’s right side.
Felix Torres – 6/10 – CB With his flick-on from the corner, he provided an important assist for Caicedo.
Piero Hincapie – 3/10 – CB Such an unnecessary foul to result in a penalty. He failed his nation.
LB: Pervis Estupinan – 5/10 – He wasn’t as scary as he was previously in the group stage, and Ecuador lost out on that.
CM: Carlos Gruezo – 4/10 – Made little contribution and was benched at halftime.
Alan Franco CM – 4/10 – Ditto. Ecuador didn’t need passengers, let alone two in the middle of the field.
Moises Caicedo – 7/10 – The only midfielder willing to battle, scoring a crucial equalizer.
Gonzalo Plata – 4/10 – RW He didn’t follow through on his pledge until it was too late.
CF: Michael Estrada – 4/10 – Won a few early duels but faded fast.
LW: Enner Valencia – 4/10 – Started well but couldn’t keep up the pace.
Jeremy Sarmiento (46′ in place of Franco) – 6/10
Jose Cifuentes (46′ substitution for Gruezo) – 5/10
Djorkaeff Reasco (64′ substitution for Estrada) – 5/10
N/A SUB: Jackson Porozo (85′ for Preciado)
Manager: Gustavo Alfaro – 3/10 – Ecuador were flat from the start and did not deserve to advance based on their performance on Monday.
Senegal is number two (4-2-3-1)
Edouard Mendy – 6/10 – Had little to do despite Ecuador’s need to score.
Youssouf Sabaly (7/10) – Impressively got up and down the flank to help Senegal.
Kalidou Koulibaly (CB) – 9/10 – A captain’s performance at both ends, dragging his country to victory.
CB: Abdou Diallo – 7/10 – Solid partner for Koulibaly at the heart of Senegal’s defense.
Ismail Jakobs left back – 5/10 – Dragged back inside for Ecuador’s equalizer. Otherwise, everything was fine.
Pathe Ciss CM: 6/10 It didn’t take much to win the midfield battle.
CM: Pape Gueye – 6/10 – Likewise, completed the fundamentals, which appeared to be sufficient.
7/10 RM: Elliman Ndiaye Didn’t allow Estupinan much time to relax, continuously questioning the Brighton left-back.
AM: Idrissa Gueye – 6/10 – Despite being a defensive midfielder, he pressed effectively in the hole. He was suspended for the remaining 16 rounds.
LM: Ismaila Sarr – 8/10 – Twisting and turning past Preciado, Sarr demonstrated that there is enough skill in the Championship.
Boulaye Dia CF – 5/10 – It wasn’t easy to get into the game. The majority of Senegal’s assaults came from a broad range of locations.
Nampalys Mendy (74′ sub for Ciss) – 6/10
5/10 SUB: Bamba Dieng (74′ for Ndiaye)
N/A SUB: Pape Abou Cisse (90′ for Dia)
Aliou Cisse, Manager – 8/10 Senegal, began the game with aggressiveness and energy. They’re excellent value for a spot in the following round.
Kalidou Koulibaly was named Player of the Match.
