It was a goal-scoring galore as Senegal eased past Iraq, finishing 3rd in their group after a disappointing start to the tournament.
Goals from Diarra, Sarr, Gueye (2) and Ndiaye gave Senegal their first win at the World Cup, as they ran out 5-0 winners against a 10-man Iraq side.
A well-taken corner from Camara was met by Seck, who made clean contact in the air after a flick-on from Diarra, helping it past the goalkeeper to open the scoring in the 4th minute.
A lengthy VAR check on the 14th minute prompted referee Anthony Taylor to overturn his on-field decision, upgrading a yellow card shown to Iraq’s number 2 to a red for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
Senegal’s second goal came from a relentless press that forced an Iraq error, with Ismaila Sarr pouncing to convert in the 56th minute after good build-up play from Lamine Camara.
Iraq couldn’t withstand the intensity of Senegal’s press, as the ball was won high up the pitch deep in Iraq’s half before Pape Gueye finished it off, a strike many are already calling a contender for goal of the tournament, just three minutes after the second.
Just when it seemed that would be all, substitute Pape Gueye struck again with a fine finish to make it four for Senegal, a standout performance from the bench.
Iliman Ndiaye also got in on the act after coming off the bench, rounding off the scoring with a well-placed shot into the top corner.
Despite the result, Senegal’s manager didn’t look entirely satisfied, given how the tournament had started, with defeats in their opening two matches against France and Norway.
Senegal finish 3rd in their group and currently sit 5th among the third-placed teams, with a +2 goal difference, as they hope for qualification to the next stage.
With this 5-0 win, Senegal became the first African nation to score five or more goals in a single World Cup match.
