Iran draw sends Senegal into last 32 as Africa secures seven knockout spots | The Eastleigh Voice

Iran draw sends Senegal into last 32 as Africa secures seven knockout spots
Iran draw sends Senegal into last 32 as Africa secures seven knockout spots

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Although the draw benefited Senegal, Iran remains in contention to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history

Senegal booked their place in the World Cup Round of 32 without kicking a ball on Friday after Iran’s 1-1 draw with Egypt mathematically confirmed the Lions of Teranga as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.
Pape Thiaw’s side had done their part emphatically with a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq to finish their group campaign, but they still needed results elsewhere to go their way.
Those favours arrived as Uruguay were eliminated following their defeat to Spain, before Iran’s stalemate against Egypt removed another potential challenger for one of the coveted best third-place berths.

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The outcome means Senegal is now guaranteed a place in the knockout rounds, becoming the seventh African nation to qualify for the Round of 32.
Morocco, South Africa, Cape Verde, Ghana, Egypt, the Ivory Coast, and now Senegal have all progressed, while Algeria and DR Congo still have an opportunity to increase Africa’s representation in the knockout phase when they play their decisive final group matches on Saturday.
Although the draw benefited Senegal, Iran remains in contention to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history.

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The Asians finished with three points after drawing all three of their group matches and must now wait for results in the remaining groups to determine whether they finish among the best third-placed teams.
Iran endured a dramatic evening in Seattle. Egypt struck first in the fifth minute through Mahmoud Saber, but Iran responded after Mehdi Taremi saw his penalty saved, with Ramin Rezaeian smashing home the rebound from a tight angle.
Late drama almost changed everything as Shoja Khalilzadeh had a goal ruled out after a lengthy VAR review for offside, while Saeid Ezatolahi headed against the crossbar in the seventh minute of stoppage time. Earlier, Taremi had also struck the woodwork, although the referee had already blown for a foul.
The result ensured Egypt progressed as Group G runners-up after Belgium topped the standings with a victory over New Zealand.
Iran’s qualification hopes now depend on Saturday’s results. They will progress if any one of the following happens: Croatia lose to Ghana, DR Congo fails to beat Uzbekistan, provided Uzbekistan do not win by seven goals or more, or either Algeria or Austria wins their Group J meeting.

Belgium roar back to life

Belgium thrashed New Zealand 5-1. (Photo: FIFA)
Belgium produced their best performance of the tournament when they thrashed New Zealand 5-1 in Vancouver to secure top spot in Group G on goal difference.
Leandro Trossard scored twice as the Red Devils bounced back from two underwhelming displays to dominate from start to finish.
Kevin De Bruyne added a superb long-range strike before substitute Romelu Lukaku marked his introduction with a goal just 56 seconds after coming off the bench, underlining the old football saying about a prolific striker needing only one chance.
Alexis Saelemaekers completed the scoring in stoppage time after Elijah Just had briefly pulled one back for New Zealand.
Belgium’s victory, coupled with Egypt’s draw against Iran, saw them finish as group winners and, as things stand, set up a Round of 32 meeting with South Korea.
Africa’s presence in the knockout rounds continues to grow, with seven nations already through and the possibility of that number rising to nine if Algeria and DR Congo complete the job in their final group fixtures.
The continent has already witnessed several historic breakthroughs, including Cape Verde reaching the knockout stages on their World Cup debut, South Africa qualifying for the first time, and the Ivory Coast advancing beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.
Should Algeria and DR Congo also qualify, it would represent one of Africa’s greatest collective performances at a FIFA World Cup.

Round of 32 picture taking shape

Nine Round of 32 ties have already been confirmed:

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Several other pairings are provisionally set, including Portugal against Ghana, England against Senegal, Belgium against South Korea, Mexico against Ecuador, Switzerland against Iran, Spain against Austria and Colombia against Croatia, though those fixtures remain subject to the outcome of the remaining group-stage matches on Saturday.

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