Senegal thrashes Iraq 5-0, boosts World Cup knockout hopes

Senegal significantly improved its prospects for reaching the World Cup knockout stage with a commanding 5-0 victory over Iraq. The win ended Iraq's tournament hopes early, leaving the West African team with three points and a positive goal difference.

Goals from Habib Diarra in the fourth minute, followed by strikes from Ismaila Sarr (56th), Pape Gueye (59th and 71st), and Iliman Ndiaye (82nd), secured Senegal's first win at the tournament. The match was heavily influenced by an early red card for Iraq's Rebin Sulaka in the 14th minute for a foul on Sadio Mané. Despite the subsequent free-kick from Mané being saved, Senegal capitalized on their numerical advantage.

For Iraq, this marked the end of their second World Cup appearance, mirroring their 1986 debut with three consecutive losses and no points. Despite passionate support from their fans and a determined effort, the team coached by Graham Arnold, which qualified as the last of the 48 teams, was ultimately outmatched.

The victory also serves as a partial redemption for Senegal, who had their Africa Cup of Nations title revoked weeks after a controversial final against Morocco. The ongoing dispute within the Confederation of African Football (CAF), involving the association's president and general secretary, continues to unfold.