Senegal kept their hopes of reaching the World Cup last 32 alive with a commanding 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq in their final Group I match in Toronto. Substitute Pape Gueye scored two sensational long-range goals in the second half to boost Senegal's goal difference, which now stands at +2, placing them fifth among third-place teams vying for one of eight spots in the knockout stage.
Early Red Card Decides Match
Senegal took the lead in the fourth minute through Habib Diarra while both sides were at full strength. Iraq's task became significantly harder in the 13th minute when referee Anthony Taylor dismissed Rebin Sulaka for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity. Taylor initially showed a yellow card after Sadio Mané dribbled past Sulaka, who pulled him back. However, after a video review, the decision was upgraded to a red card.
Despite the numerical advantage, Senegal struggled to add to their lead in the first half, with Iraq defending resolutely. The score remained 1-0 at the break.
Second-Half Onslaught
The Lions of Teranga transformed after halftime. Lamine Camara set up Ismaïla Sarr in the 56th minute, forcing an Iraq turnover in their own box, dribbling to the byline, and cutting a low cross back for the Crystal Palace forward to tap into an open goal.
Pape Gueye entered the match immediately after Sarr's goal and made an immediate impact. Just before the hour mark, he took Sarr's pass near the right corner of the box, dribbled to his left, and unleashed a left-footed strike that curled beyond diving goalkeeper Jalal Hassan into the top corner.
Gueye's Second Stunner
In the 71st minute, Gueye ran onto Ndiaye's bouncing pass and struck a thunderous half-volley that gave Hassan no time to react before it bulged the back of the net. Iliman Ndiaye wrapped up the scoring in the 82nd minute with his own long-range effort, completing the rout.
Iraq Eliminated
The result eliminated Iraq from their second World Cup appearance, and their first since 1986. They were underdogs from the start, and the early red card made their task nearly impossible. Senegal, meanwhile, are now in contention for a last-32 place, though four of the teams below them in the third-place standings have yet to play their final group matches.
