Netherlands, Senegal advance to last 16 in World Cup

Virgil van Dijk of the Netherlands plays during the World Cup group A soccer match between the Netherlands and Qatar, at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor , Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
Virgil van Dijk of the Netherlands plays during the World Cup group A soccer match between the Netherlands and Qatar, at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor , Qatar, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly puts his team into the final 16 of the World Cup by volleying home the winner in a 2-1 victory over Ecuador.

Koulibaly scored three minutes after Moises Caicedo had evened the score at 1-1.

In a must-win match for the African champions, Senegal took the lead after a first-half penalty by Ismaila Sarr. Caicedo scored his goal in the 67th.

At 1-1, Ecuador would have advanced from Group A and Senegal would have been eliminated.

The Netherlands beat Qatar 2-0 in the other match to win the group. Senegal finished second while Ecuador and Qatar were eliminated.

Senegal last advanced from the group stage at the 2002 World Cup when the team reached the quarterfinals in its tournament debut.

Most Popular