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WORLD CUP 2022

Group A: what each team needs to qualify for the round of 16 of the World Cup

Qatar are now officially out, but the Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal all remain in contention to go through on matchday three of Group A.

Update:
Qatar are now officially out, but the Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal all remain in contention to go through on matchday three of Group A.
RAUL ARBOLEDAGetty

With matchday two now complete in World Cup Group A, both last-16 spots remain up for grabs, after the Netherlands missed the chance to book knockout-stage qualification with a game to spare.

Netherlands

After Senegal’s win over Qatar earlier on Friday, the Netherlands faced Ecuador knowing that victory would take them through to the next round.

However, after Cody Gakpo’s opener at Khalifa International Stadium, Enner Valencia’s second-half leveller earned the Ecuadorians a point - a result that means Louis van Gaal’s men must wait until matchday three.

The Dutch will be certain of qualification if they avoid defeat against Qatar on Tuesday.

The Netherlands will also go through if they lose, as long as Ecuador beat Senegal.

Ecuador

After drawing with the Netherlands, Ecuador meet Senegal on Tuesday - and the South Americans are very close to securing a first last-16 berth since 2006.

Ecuador will be through if they avoid defeat against the Senegalese.

Gustavo Alfaro’s men can also qualify if they are beaten, but only if the Netherlands lose to Qatar by a larger margin.

Senegal

After beating hosts Qatar 3-1 on Friday, Senegal go into matchday three one point behind second-placed Ecuador. Aliou Cissé's men will qualify from Group A if they beat the Ecuadorians.

The African champions can also make the last 16 with a draw, provided the Netherlands lose to Qatar and relinquish a +2 goal-difference advantage over the Senegalese.

Senegal beat Qatar, who are now out.
Full screen
Senegal beat Qatar, who are now out.Kyodo NewsGetty

Qatar

The Netherlands’ draw with Ecuador, coupled with Qatar’s defeat to Senegal, means the hosts can no longer qualify for the last 16.

Since a first-round group stage was introduced at the World Cup in 1950, the Qataris are only the second World Cup nation to fail to progress to the next round. Felix Sánchez’s side follow in the footsteps of South Africa, who finished third in their group in 2010.