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Qatar vs Senegal, World Cup 2022 result: Hosts exit tournament after just six days

Akram Afif of Qatar looks dejected/Hosts Qatar exit own World Cup after just six days - Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
Akram Afif of Qatar looks dejected/Hosts Qatar exit own World Cup after just six days - Chris Brunskill/Getty Images

Qatar 1 Senegal 3


03:37 PM

Report

Qatar are first team to be eliminated

It did not last long, Qatar’s participation in their own World Cup. Defeat by Senegal, and Ecuador ending all permutation possibility by drawing with the Netherlands, means the hosts matched England’s achievement in Brazil 2014: evicted within six days of kick-off. So £200 billion for this. It would have been a lot cheaper just to hire Roy Hodgson.

Still, at least the locals got a goal to cheer. A good one too, Mohammed Muntari thumping home a header when his team were two down. The ease with which he got between Senegal’s defenders will have given encouragement to Harry Kane and his colleagues if, as is possible, England face Senegal in the last 16.

But five minutes later Bamba Dieng hammered home a third for Senegal to restore the natural order.

So the Qataris are now obliged to face the next three weeks watching the rest of the world cavort across their homeland. Not least the sizeable army of guest workers, in their Brazil, Spain and Argentina shirts. That is perhaps the most telling thing about this World Cup: of the many countries they might follow, very few of the immigrant labour force seem to have latched on to Qatar.

One thing is for sure: all the pre-kick off optimism about how the Qataris were the most prepared team in World Cup history has proven to be the emptiest of hype.

So what now for the country and football? Whatever your feelings about the politics, it would be impossible to argue the delivery of the tournament has been anything other than first class.

They have proved they know how to get other people to build stadiums for them, too. Though what it does now with eight giant arenas who knows. But their eviction from the competition insists that, while their sovereign wealth fund might enable them to buy the grandest of European clubs, this is no football hotbed. If this is how they perform when everything is going for them, it is hard to imagine we will ever see a Qatar team qualify for someone else’s World Cup. Let’s just hope they kept the receipt.

Match details

Qatar (5-3-2): Barsham; Miguel (Al Abayati 83), Mohammed, Koukhi, Hassan, Ahmed (Salman 83); Al Haydos (Muntari 74), Boudiaf (Hatem 69), Madibo; Ali, Afif.
Booked: Mohammed, Ahmed, Madibo.
Senegal (4-2-3-1): E Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Jakobs (Cisse 77), Diallo; N Mendy (P Sarr 74), I Gueye; Diatta (Ciss 63), Diedhiou (Dieng 73), I Sarr (N’Diaye 73); Dia.
Booked: Dia, Jakobs.
Referee: A Lahoz (Spain).
Att: 41,797.


03:29 PM

On to the next one

As we've mentioned the outcome of Ecuador's clash with the Netherlands will determine the fate of Qatar.

Follow live coverage of that match HERE in the capable hands of Rob Bagchi.


03:23 PM

WATCH: the goal that sealed Qatar's fate


03:19 PM

What does this mean for Group A?

Ecuador and the Netherlands play next but as it stands there are three teams on three points in Group A. Either side can book their place in the next round with a win but Qatar will be out should that winner be Ecuador.


03:15 PM

WATCH: Qatar open their World Cup account


03:11 PM

Player ratings

Senegal are aiming for the knockout stages after beating Qatar. Give us you player ratings below.


03:09 PM

'The emptiest of hype'

Jim White at Al Thumama Stadium

At least until the end of the Holland Ecuador game there is still the merest shadow of statistical possibility that Qatar might yet find a way to qualify. Mind they need Ecuador to win, then they will have to flatten Holland and hope Ecuador and Senegal don’t draw. But, after this feeble defeat, it looks horribly likely that the host nation will be out of their own World Cup within six days. If the country’s ambition was to emulate England’s early departure from Brazil 2014, they didn’t need to fork out £200billion: it would have been a lot cheaper just to hire Roy Hodgson.

Still, at least they got a goal. A good one too, the substitute Mohammed Muntari stealing in between two defenders to thump home a header. The manner of it, the ease with which he got in, will have given huge encouragement to Harry Kane and his colleagues if, as seems probable, England face Senegal in the last 16. When the goal went in, the smiles on the faces of the home supporters suggested all that outlay may have been worth it, for a fleeting moment to see their nation make an impression on the football world. But how fleeting it was; five minutes later the substitute Bamba Dieng hammered home a third for Senegal to ensure there would be no unlikely comeback.

 A dejected Akram Afif of Qatar reacts at full time during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal - Getty Images
A dejected Akram Afif of Qatar reacts at full time during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal - Getty Images

So it is that the Qataris will now have to face the next three weeks without any sense of involvement or commitment in this tournament, watching the rest of the world cavort across their homeland. Maybe they can change their allegiance to Brazil or CR7’s Portugal. One thing is for sure: all the pre-kick off optimism about how the Qatar side were the most prepared in World Cup history, how the fact they had spent the whole of the last year getting themselves ready to take the world by storm has proven to be the emptiest of hype. Frankly, they would have been better off playing league football up to a fortnight ago.


03:07 PM

Surprised?

At first glance that was a pretty easy victory for Senegal there but the statos would disagree.

Qatar finished with an xG of 0.94, while Senegal had one 0.77....strange.

Qatar were better in the second half, they got their goal but anyone watching that game will tell you they were clearly second best.


02:59 PM

FULL TIME: Qatar 1-3 Senegal

Qatar are on the brink of going out of their own World Cup with one group game to go. Senegal have eyes on the next round as they prepare to face Ecuador next.

Bamba Dieng (L) celebrates scoring his team's third goal with his teammates during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group A football match between Qatar and Senegal at the Al-Thumama Stadium - AFP
Bamba Dieng (L) celebrates scoring his team's third goal with his teammates during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group A football match between Qatar and Senegal at the Al-Thumama Stadium - AFP

02:57 PM

90+4 min: Qatar 1-3 Senegal

There are thousands of empty seats at Al Thumama Stadium. The home fans are off the skip the traffic clearly.

Meanwhile the Senegalese drumming continues apace.


02:55 PM

90+1 min: Qatar 1-3 Senegal

We're into six minutes of injury time here.


02:52 PM

88 min: Qatar 1-3 Senegal

Abdelkarim Hassan has a wicked shot after smart move from a fee kick but it goes wide. Qatar's World Cup dream is all but ending here.


02:48 PM

83 min: Qatar 1-3 Senegal

Well-worked goal from Senegal. Smart work down the right sees the ball cut back into the area where Bamba Dieng is waiting.

His first-time shot is powerful and beats Barsham with ease.

Bamba Dieng of Senegal scores their team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal - Getty Images
Bamba Dieng of Senegal scores their team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal - Getty Images

02:46 PM

GOOOOAAALLLL

Game over.


02:46 PM

EXCLUSIVE: Jim White IS NOT George Clooney

Jim White at Al Thumama Stadium

41,927 announced as the attendance. Yeah, and I'm George Clooney.


02:45 PM

81 min: Qatar 1-2 Senegal

This is going to be tight last ten for Senegal now and they only themselves to blame. Foot off the gas and punished. They'll need to be full switched on in theses closing minutes.


02:43 PM

78 min: Qatar 1-2 Senegal

Outstanding work form Qatar. A sweeping cross-field pass finds Mohammad on the right, who whips his own ball into the area.

Muntari frees himself up thanks to some excellent movement and launches himself into a powerful header which gets past Mendy.

This isn't over quite yet.

Karim Boudiaf and Senegal's forward #09 Boulaye Dia both jump to head the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group A football match between Qatar and Senegal - AFP
Karim Boudiaf and Senegal's forward #09 Boulaye Dia both jump to head the ball during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group A football match between Qatar and Senegal - AFP

02:41 PM

GOOOAAALLLL

QATAR HAVE THEIR GOAL


02:39 PM

74 min: Qatar 0-2 Senegal

The drumming from the Senegalese in the stands is quite remarkable. The beat has not dipped or changed for almost this entire match. Relentless excellence from those guys, perhaps Qatar should take note. Bit harsh maybe.


02:33 PM

69 min: Qatar 0-2 Senegal

At the other end Senegal have another good chance. Nampalys Mendy is fed in down the right and has a good sight on goal but he can't control his shot and Barsham goes untested.


02:31 PM

66 min: Qatar 0-2 Senegal

WHAT. A. SAVE.

A great cross come in from the left and finds Mohammad unmarked in the six-yard box but Mendy pulls off a quite remarkable save to deny Qatar their first goal of the tournament.

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy of Senegal (R) makes a save during the FIFA World Cup 2022 group A soccer match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium - Shutterstock
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy of Senegal (R) makes a save during the FIFA World Cup 2022 group A soccer match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium - Shutterstock

02:27 PM

62 min: Qatar 0-2 Senegal

And there's a chance for Qatar....the old commentator's curse there.

Afif does well on the left to wind Ali in the penalty area. His control is deft and his left-footed shot is equally good but Mendy is up to the task and produces an excellent save to divert the ball wide.


02:24 PM

60 min: Qatar 0-2 Senegal

The BBC commentators are imploring Qatar to throw caution to the wind here but I'm not sure they have the ability to do that. They are playing against a side full of proven top-class talent and that gulf in class is certainly telling.

I'll happily be wrong but can't see them scoring here.


02:22 PM

57 min: Qatar 0-2 Senegal

The Qatar fans are attempting to get a Viking thunder clap going behind the goal. You have to admire their perseverance.


02:19 PM

55 min: Qatar 0-2 Senegal

Afif puts in a good ball from a free kick and Senegal fail to deal with the danger. Pinball in the siz-yard box ensues and it's only luck which sees Senegal come out on top

Akram Afif reacts during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group A football match between Qatar and Senegal at the Al-Thumama Stadium - AFP
Akram Afif reacts during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group A football match between Qatar and Senegal at the Al-Thumama Stadium - AFP

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02:18 PM

Qatari ultras

Jim White at Al Thumama Stadium

The Qatari ultra section behind the goal, which kept up a steady routine of choreographed Bundesliga style chants, has now largely emptied. There are just four rows at the front still occupied. If the rest are all still queuing for half time refreshment, I can't see them coming back now after that second Senegalese goal.


02:17 PM

54 min: Qatar 0-2 Senegal

To their credit Qatar have tried to up the tempo a little bit although that could be as much to do with Senegal taking their foot off the gas.


02:13 PM

48 min: Qatar 0-2 Senegal

Senegal have a corner from the right which is whipped in powerful towards the near post. Diedhiou does well to get in front of his man and gets his head on the ball which then flies past a helpless Barsham.

Qatar starring down the barrel of an exit now. They surely have to have a good go at this now.

Famara Diedhiou of Senegal celebrates after scoring their team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium - Getty Images
Famara Diedhiou of Senegal celebrates after scoring their team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium - Getty Images

02:11 PM

GOOOOAAALLLL

Senegal get a second.


02:10 PM

45 min: Qatar 0-1 Senegal

Many of the fans right on the half-way line are yet to return to their seats after the break. Echoes of the prawn-sandwich brigade at Wembley perhaps?


02:08 PM

The players are out

The message to Qatar - more needed, quickly.

Zero goals, zero shots on target for them so far.


02:06 PM

Player ratings

Give us know ratings of the players after that 45 minutes with our Player Ratings tool.


02:05 PM

'Senegal missing Mane'

Jim White at Al Thumama Stadium

At half time, the score reads: African champions 1 Asian champions 0. Though the fact Qatar are kings of their continent says more about the competition than anything. Because the £200billion the country has forked out to host this World Cup apparently doesn’t buy you a defence.

Against a Senegal side so clearly missing the guile and intelligence of Sadio Mane, Qatar’s backline was a gift determined to keep on giving. And eventually they presented an opportunity which even an attack as blunt as Senegal’s could not miss. If you are going to sit on the ball in your own area, Boualem Khoukhi, here's an idea: make sure you sit on it, rather than letting it spill from under your buttocks into the path of the opposing centre forward.

Unless Qatar get their act together in the second half (and to do that they need to give the ball as often as possible to far and away their most threatening player, Akram Afif) their World Cup will be over before it ever properly got going.


01:53 PM

HALF TIME: Qatar 0-1 Senegal

Senegal lead after a pretty poor first half. They are clearly the better side.

Qatar might feel aggrieve about not getting a penalty - with some justification - but Senegal are well worth their lead here despite not pulling up any roots themselves.


01:50 PM

45+4 min: Qatar 0-1 Senegal

Afif attacks down the left and cuts a decent ball back into the Senegal box. Qatar earn a corner after a Koulibaly clearance but as Afif takes it there's only four maroon shirts in the box compared to seven from Senegal.

Who are the one's leading this game? Strange from Qatar.

Qatar's Boualem Khoukhi and Assim Madibo react - Reuters
Qatar's Boualem Khoukhi and Assim Madibo react - Reuters

01:47 PM

45+2 min: Qatar 0-1 Senegal

Into seven minutes of added time here. Not sure where all that's come from but o well.


01:46 PM

'Incredible noise'

Jim White at Al Thumama Stadium

After that goal, it doesn't seem as if the Senegal drummers are going to stop. Or slow down. If anything they have actually sped up.  Incredible noise they are producing.


01:45 PM

44 min: Qatar 0-1 Senegal

In truth Qatar look like they are some way below the level required to make an impact at this level.

There's another 45 minutes to go here but they need to show something well beyond what they have so far to make an impact.


01:42 PM

40 min: Qatar 0-1 Senegal

Khoukhi gets it all wrong at the back as he loses his footing when trying make a clearance. The scuff falls perfectly for Dia, who lashes the ball past Barsham.

Senegal's Boulaye Dia scores his side's first goal during the World Cup group A soccer match between Qatar and Senegal, at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha - AP
Senegal's Boulaye Dia scores his side's first goal during the World Cup group A soccer match between Qatar and Senegal, at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha - AP

01:41 PM

GOOOOAAAAL

Senegal lead. It's been coming.


01:39 PM

38 min: Qatar 0-0 Senegal

Some of this Qatar defending is dicey at best but that is no feather in the cap of Senegal, who have been passive in their efforts to create chances.


01:36 PM

35 min: Qatar 0-0 Senegal

Confusion between Senegal attackers in the Qatar box leads to Diedhiou taking the ball off Dia's foot. The later would have been better taking that on and it's another half chance squandered


01:35 PM

33 min: Qatar 0-0 Senegal

Afif is released down the left by Ali and Ismaila Sarr comes across him. Afif goes down in the area. He wants a penalty and you what he might have a point.

Var not even looking at it...

Felix Sanchez, Head Coach of Qatar, speaks with referee Antonio Mateu during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal - Getty Images
Felix Sanchez, Head Coach of Qatar, speaks with referee Antonio Mateu during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal - Getty Images

01:31 PM

30 mins: Qatar 0-0 Senegal

Mendy catches the ball and releases a superb ball over the top from his own box towards Ismaila Sarr. Barsham is forced to come out but doesn't get there and it's only some cool defending from Khoukhi which brings the danger to an end.


01:29 PM

28 mins: Qatar 0-0 Senegal

Thumbs up from me to Senegal coach Aliou Cisse for his get up this afternoon. Bringing a bit of low-key street casual to the World Cup dugout.

Aliou Cisse, Head Coach of Senegal, reacts during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal - Getty Images
Aliou Cisse, Head Coach of Senegal, reacts during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal - Getty Images

01:25 PM

'It's that kind of game'

Jim White at Al Thumama Stadium

The Qatar fans behind the goal are trying to start a Mexican wave. It's that kind of game.


01:25 PM

24 mins: Qatar 0-0 Senegal

Better from Senegal, who up the tempo suddenly and Qatar can't get near them. Neat interplay gives Idrissa Gueye an opening and his shot is only inches past Barsham's left post.


01:20 PM

20 mins: Qatar 0-0 Senegal

The pageantry of the Senegalese crowd and coordinated bopping of the Qatar fans has been the highlight so far.

Fairly stale opening stanzas in this one.

Senegal fans show their support prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium - Getty Images
Senegal fans show their support prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium - Getty Images

01:17 PM

17 mins: Qatar 0-0 Senegal

At the other end, Barsham tries to come out to claim a corner but doesn't get anywhere near it. The ball drops dangerously in the six-yard box and Qatar breath a sigh of relief as it goes out for a goal kick.


01:16 PM

16 mins: Qatar 0-0 Senegal

Better work from Qatar, who work space on the right before Senegal are forced to deal with a decent cross into the box.

Afif picks up the loose ball and takes on a volley but there's no conviction behind it and it drifts over the bar.


01:13 PM

13 mins: Qatar 0-0 Senegal

The way this game is going to be played is already obvious here. Qatar are sitting deep and looking to hit Senegal on the break. It all depends on whether Senegal have the ability to break down Qatar and, indeed, whether the hosts can maintain their defensive discipline.

Ismail Jakobs of Senegal battles for possession with Almoez Ali of Qatar during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium - Getty Images
Ismail Jakobs of Senegal battles for possession with Almoez Ali of Qatar during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium - Getty Images

01:09 PM

9 mins: Qatar 0-0 Senegal

Diedhiou has a half chance for Senegal after bring the ball down inside the six-yard box but instead plays the ball out to a teammate. He should have shot on the turn there. Decent chance goes begging.


01:06 PM

'An incredible rhythmic soundtrack'

Jim White at Al Thumama Stadium

I don't know if this is coming across on the television, but the Senegalese drummers are noisy. Really very noisy. They are providing an incredible rhythmic soundtrack. Can they keep it up for 90 minutes? Will keep you posted....


01:05 PM

'The worst I've seen'

"Their opening 20 minutes in their first game was the worst I've seen from any host nation in the first game of any World Cup."

BBC's Jonathan Pierce unequivocal is his assessment there. Can't really say he's wrong though can you...


01:03 PM

3 mins: Qatar 0-0 Senegal

A pretty tepid start to this one. Senegal dominating possession without making any real in roads.

Remember, this is bordering on a must-win for both sides.

Senegal's Kalidou Koulibaly connects a shot during a World Cup group A soccer match against Qatar - AP
Senegal's Kalidou Koulibaly connects a shot during a World Cup group A soccer match against Qatar - AP

01:01 PM

1 mins: Qatar 0-0 Senegal

It is a shame to see the empty seats at Al Thumama Stadium considering this is the host nation playing.


01:00 PM

0 mins: Qatar 0-0 Senegal

Qatar get us underway.


12:57 PM

The teams are out

The anthems are blaring and it's a sea of white and marron in the stadium as there are plenty of thawb-attired Qataris in attendance.

We're moments away from kick off.


12:54 PM

Wikipedia search

Meshaal Barsham, the Qatari goalkeeper, is the older brother of Mutaz Barshim - the Olympic high jump champion.

Serious sporting genes in that family.


12:52 PM

Player ratings

Use our Player Ratings tool to give your views on the individual performances out there this afternoon.


12:51 PM

'The atmosphere is rather underwhelming'

Jim White at Al Thumama Stadium

Both sides need a win here. But, apart from possibly the most shouty DJ in the world, bawling out his instruction to stand up, the atmosphere is rather underwhelming. It is the hosts second match in their own tournament and the place is about two thirds full.


12:45 PM

Football is a cruel game isn't it?

Two late Iran goals leave 10-man Wales on brink of World Cup exit and now Wayne Hennessey is just the third goalkeeper in the history of the World Cup to have received a red card.

Get all the latest reaction from Wales' dramatic World Cup defeat right here.

Mehdi Taremi of IR Iran is fouled by Wayne Hennessey of Wales during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and IR Iran a - Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Mehdi Taremi of IR Iran is fouled by Wayne Hennessey of Wales during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and IR Iran a - Patrick Smith/Getty Images

12:33 PM

The Senegal fans have arrived

A Senegal fan shows their support prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium - Dan Mullan/Getty Images
A Senegal fan shows their support prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium - Dan Mullan/Getty Images
A Senegal fan smiles before the World Cup group A soccer match between Qatar and Senegal, - Hasan Ammar/AP
A Senegal fan smiles before the World Cup group A soccer match between Qatar and Senegal, - Hasan Ammar/AP
A Senegal fan shows their support prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium - Dan Mullan/Getty Images
A Senegal fan shows their support prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium - Dan Mullan/Getty Images

12:23 PM

Team news

All change behind the posts for Qatar, as goalkeeper Meshaal Narsham comes into the side to replace first choice goalkeeper Saad Al Sheeb.  He struggled against Ecuador and looked to be at risk before the match of losing his place.

Akram Afif and Almoez will lead the line once again for the hosts.

Qatar XI: Barsham, Deus Correia, Mohammad, Khoukhi, Abdelkarim Hassan, Ahmed, Al-Haydos, Boudiaf, Madibo, Ali, Afif

Subs: Al-Sheeb, Waad, Salman, Hatem, Alaaeldin, Assadalla, Muntari, Khoder, Muneer, Al-Hajri, Yousef Hassan, Al-Hadhrami, Gaber, Mashaal.

Senegal XI: Edouard Mendy, Sabaly, Koulibaly, Jakobs, Diallo, Idrissa Gueye, Nampalys Mendy, Diatta, Diedhiou, Ismaila Sarr, Dia

Subs: Seny Dieng, Formose Mendy, Cisse, Jackson, Moussa N'Diaye, Ciss, Ndiaye, Pape Sarr, Ahmadou Dieng, Gomis, Name, Loum N'Diaye, Pape Gueye

Edouard Mendy of Senegal warms up prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium - Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Edouard Mendy of Senegal warms up prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium - Claudio Villa/Getty Images

12:08 PM

Who banks the points today?

Make your predictions here. I'll take one more upset.

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12:01 PM

It's now or never for Qatar

Good afternoon, and welcome to Telegraph Sport's live coverage of today's first Group A clash between host nation Qatar and Senegal, with kick-off at the Al Thumama Stadium coming at 1pm UK time.

Qatar, the first host nation in the World Cup history to lose their opening fixtures, will be determined to prevent another defeat and ultimately an early exit from the tournament by securing victory.

After an uninspiring show against Ecuador in the opening fixture, Felix Sanchez Bas will hope that his side will at least put some resistance against the AFCON champions. They were outplayed in every department on Monday and the reigning Asian champions did not even have a shot on target against Ecuador.

The Qatar manager insists his side will deliver an improved display against Senegal.

'Hopefully we can play freely and without pressure and be better than what happened in the first game, this team have a point to prove,' Sanchez told a press conference.

Matches are controlled by many factors, but the most important thing is to give our best, in the World Cup if you don't give your best you will be punished.'

Meanwhile, while suffering the same fate as the hosts, Senegal had a lot to be impressed with in their performance against the Netherlands on Monday. Their build up play in attack was promising and for the most part sold in defence.

Edouard Mendy had a day to forget which allowed the Dutch to race away with a 2-0 win. It was clearly evident that they were missing their talisman Sadio Mane.

But in order to claim the vital three points, the African side will find to a clinical edge and will hope Ismaila Sarr will produce the goods this afternoon.

However, Qatar in particular will want to show that their years of preparation for a home tournament were not in vain.

Will we be treated to another upset? A drubbing? Or an altogether more cagey nil-nil draw?

Stay tuned as we bring you team news, build-up, full match coverage and reaction.