Senegal produced their best performance of the tournament, beating Iraq 5-0 at BMO Field on Friday evening to close out their World Cup group stage campaign.
The result did not change anything in Group I. France and Norway had already secured the two qualifying places, each with six points from their first two games.
Iraq settled compactly with Ali Al-Hamadi as the focal point up front. That defensive approach quickly became irrelevant when the game’s defining moment arrived inside the first quarter of an hour.
Rebin Sulaka was given his marching orders in the 13th minute, leaving Iraq to defend with ten men for most of the game. Any hope of a contest effectively ended there.
Iraq was barely threatening. Ahmed Basil made seven saves before being substituted at half-time, while Senegal goalkeeper Mory Diaw faced just one shot on target in the 90 minutes.
Senegal dominated all statistical categories. Their 69% possession, 12 corners and 17 shots inside the box reflected the total control they exercised over a depleted Iraqi team.
Gueye added his second in the 71st minute, this time assisted by fellow substitute Iliman Ndiaye. Senegal’s triple change in the 57th minute turned the game into a procession.
Iraq’s frustration showed late. Al-Ammari was booked in the 75th minute and Merchas Doski was booked in stoppage time, capping a miserable evening for the ten men.
Iraq also bowed out in the group stage, finishing behind with no points and a goal difference of minus eleven after three defeats throughout the tournament.
