DOHA: Enner Valencia scored three goals in Ecuador’s first two World Cup games but his health is in a questionable state heading into a match against Senegal. The 33-year-old striker was carried off the field on a stretcher in a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands with an injured right knee, Valencia sprained his left knee in Ecuador’s opening win over Qatar.
Ecuador advances with a win or a draw. It could also advance with a loss if Qatar wins by more than Ecuador loses. Senegal advances with a win. It could also advance with a draw if Qatar wins by three goals or more. While Senegal lost to the Netherlands 3-1 in its opening match, and only a win against Ecuador will advance the team to the knockout stage for the first time since reaching the quarterfinals in 2002 in its first World Cup. Senegal is accustomed to losing to a South American opponent at the World Cup. The team has struggled without star Sadio Mane.
Requiring victory, Senegal took the lead in the first half on a penalty kick while Ecuador evened up the game in the 67th minute, which would’ve potentially knocked out Senegal and sent Ecuador to the knockout stage. Senegal managed to score three minutes later to secure a bid in the Round of 16.
In a nutshell, Senegal has managed to secure their place in the World Cup last 16 with a fascinating 2-1 win over Ecuador on Tuesday, sending the South American side out of the tournament in their wake.
Teams:
Ecuador XI: Galindez, Angelo Preciado, Torres, Hincapie, Estupinan, Franco, Gruezo, Caicedo, Plata,Estrada, Valencia.
Senegal XI: Edouard Mendy, Sabaly, Koulibaly,Jakobs, Diallo, Ciss, Pape Gueye, Ndiaye, Idrissa, Gueye, Ismaila Sarr, Dia.
