Ecuador 1-2 Senegal
Senegal qualified for the FIFA World Cup last 16 after defeating Ecuador 2-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium on Tuesday evening.
Senegalese coach Aliou Cisse made three changes from the win over Qatar, with Idrissa Gueye, Iliman Ndiaye and Pathe Ciss getting recalls to the starting line-up.
Enner Valencia was fit to start the encounter, while Alan Franco and Carlos Gruezo were handed starts in a game thought would see them advance if they avoided defeat on the night.
The Lions of Teranga enjoyed more of the chances in the first half, with Ismaila Sarr and Boulaye Dia both going close in the opening 20 minutes of the encounter.
Senegal were given a lifeline just before the break after being awarded a penalty after Preciado brought down Sarr, who dusted himself off to convert the spot-kick for the lead.
Ecuador got back on level terms in the 69th minute when an un-marked Moses Caicedo turned home a flick-on at the far post for his third international goal.
The South Americans' joy only lasted a minute as captain Kalidou Koulibaly put the African champions back in front with an impressive volley after Ecuador failed to clear Gueye's free-kick.
That goal proved to be decisive as the Lions of Teranga held out until the final whistle to secure second spot in Group A and a spot in the next round.
Netherlands 2-0 Qatar
Netherlands qualified for the round of 16 as Group A winners after defeating hosts Qatar 2-0 on Tuesday evening.
Dutch head coach Louis van Gaal handed a first start of the campaign to Memphis Depay, with Steven Bergwijn dropping to the bench, while Marten de Roon replaced Teun Koopmeiners in midfield.
Qatar, meanwhile, came into the clash with nothing but pride to play for after their elimination was confirmed on match day two when the Dutch drew 1-1 with Qatar.
Van Gaal's charges got the opening goal in the 26th minute when Cody Gakpo continued his impressive campaign by bagging his third goal with a neat finish after being played in by Davy Klaasen.
The Netherlands doubled their lead four minutes after the halftime break as Frenkie de Jong grabbed his first World Cup goal with a close-range finish after Memphis Depay's effort had been saved.
Vincent Janssen appeared to have bagged Netherland's third goal in the 68th minute, but the celebrations were cut short due to Gakpo's handball in the build up.
The Dutch did go in search of another goal late on, with Steven Berghuis going closest by rattling the crossbar in stoppage time as the encounter ended 2-0.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
