The 'Tri' lacked the experience to at least get a draw that would have extended their dream of Qatar. The youth of Gustavo Alfaro's team showed fearfulness and few ideas against a Senegal that was determined for the victory that kept them alive in the World Cup. The balance tipped justly in favor of determination, and Africa will return to the round of 16 after the fiasco of the World Cup in Russia, when its five representatives fell in the group stage.
Qatar is a new story for Senegal, the current continental champion, who managed to overcome the absence of Sadio Mané in the tournament due to injury and who along the way encountered the absence of Kouyaté, a midfielder with extensive experience in the Premier League. Despite everything, it was enough to leave Ecuador behind, which only needed a draw to eliminate the Senegalese, but committed an original sin: they went out to the field to speculate with the score and the clock. They neither had enough football to change their destiny, nor did they know how to keep it when they found fortune.
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In the first half, Senegal had clear goal opportunities, but they could not convert, and Ecuador did not react. The opening goal came shortly before halftime from a penalty after a foul by Pedro Hincapié on Ismaila Sarr. The attacker took the penalty and put Senegal ahead 1-0.
In the second half, the South American team improved and began to reach the opponent's area. The equalizer was scored by Moisés Caicedo in the 67th minute, but the joy did not last long as two minutes later Kalidou Koulibaly once again gave the Senegalese the lead.
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In the remaining minutes, Ecuador sought the equalizer, but their attack lacked clarity and they failed to create dangerous opportunities on the opponent's goal. Unfortunately, the 'Tri' did not find the tying goal.
Happy. Senegal's squad celebrating the victory. Photo: dissemination
In the World Cup, Ecuador had three different matches: they opened the tournament by defeating the host 2-0, a result that helped them shake off the nerves of the debut for 10 of the 11 starting players. The Tricolor bids farewell to Qatar with a bittersweet feeling. They leave the World Cup where they left a mark.
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Netherlands, with 7 points, and Senegal with 6 are the teams that qualify for the round of 16 and will face the second and first of Group B, respectively. Ecuador is out of the tournament with 4 points, and Qatar finishes the group without any points.
"A team with more future than present"
The coach Gustavo Alfaro, who consoled his players after the final whistle, spoke to the press. "It was details. The second goal of Senegal hurt because the team was doing well on the field. It is a young generation of players, a team with more future than present. Hopefully, these battles will serve them in the future," he said.