Calamity Qatar crash out of own party with a whimper
THE best stadiums ever to stage a World Cup? Quite possibly.
But following elimination in two games and six days, Qatar will be remembered more for being possibly the worst host nation than for their sparkling steel and glass structures in the desert. Previously, South Africa were the only hosts to exit at the group stage but they won our admiration for giving it a go in 2010. Qatar waited until they were 2-0 down to Senegal before doing so here. They got their first goal at a World Cup — but after a second straight defeat, the Qataris were booted out of their own tournament following the Netherlands’ 1-1 draw against Ecuador.
It means an early exit for the hosts — much like their fans who have taken to leaving games early.
And whereas South Africa beat France in their final group game in 2010, it will take an almighty effort for Qatar to salvage some pride when they face Louis van Gaal’s team on Tuesday. Senegal, though, became the first African team to win a game at this World Cup, doing so without Sadio Mane. Their date with Ecuador on Tuesday now has all the makings of a classic decider. Aliou Cisse’s side largely controlled this game, showing the gulf in class. Every man in Senegal’s XI had experience of competing in Europe’s elite leagues. Only one member of Qatar’s team could say the same and that was Akram Afif, their brightest spark.
In the 34th minute, with Qatar having not yet managed a shot on target at this World Cup, the hosts hoped for some help from Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz. Afif broke behind and stepped across Ismaila Sarr, dropping down under pressure from the Watford player. No penalty from Mateu, and no correction from VAR, despite Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo winning a spot-kick for much less a day earlier.
The Qataris’ anger was only amplified when Boulaye Dia then made it 1-0 to Senegal. Boualem Khoukhi made a mess of trying to clear the danger, Dia capitalised and lashed the loose ball
beyond Meshaal Barsham, the younger brother of Olympic high jump champion Mutaz Essa Barshim. But he could not leap like his sibling to stop Famara Diedhiou’s header from making it 2-0 in the 48th minute.
Qatar had no choice now. They had to go for it. After 165 minutes of World Cup football, they finally had their first shot on target when Afif fed Almoez Ali, whose attempt was pushed wide by Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy.
Mendy was suddenly busy and in the 78th minute, Qatar made it 2-1 when Ismail Mohamad’s cross found the head of substitute Mohammed Muntari. Game on — or so we thought.
But Senegal made it 3-1 with Bamba Dieng meeting Iliman Ndiaye’s cute cut-back.
Qatar waited 4,371 days to host this World Cup — from FIFA announcing they had won the vote in December 2010 to the opening 2-0 defeat against Ecuador last week.
Now two defeats in six days have handed them a deflating departure. The only bonus is they don’t have to travel far to get home.
QATAR (5-3-2): Barsham 5; Miguel 5 (Salman 83min), Mohammad 5, Khoukhi 5, Hassan 5, Ahmed 5 (Albayati 83); Al Haidous 5 (Muntari 74, 6), Boudiaf 5 (Hatem 69, 6), Madibo 5; Ali 6, Afif 6. Scorer: Muntari 78. Booked: Mahmoud, Ahmed, Madibo. Manager: Felix Sanchez 5. SENEGAL (4-2-3-1): Mendy 6; Sabaly 6, Koulibaly 6.5, Jakobs 6 (Cisse 77), Diallo 6; N Mendy 6 (Ndiaye 74, 6), I Gueye 6.5; I Sarr 6.5 (P Sarr 78), Diedhiou 7 (Dieng 74, 7), Diatta 6.5 (Ciss 64, 6); DIA 7.5. Scorers: Dia 41, Diedhiou 48, Dieng 84. Booked: Dia, Jakobs, Ciss. Manager: Aliou Cisse 7. Referee: Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz (Spain) 6. Attendance: 41,797.