Hosts Qatar crash out of their own party

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 having the worst host team than their sparkling steel and glass structures. In 2010, South Africa were the only hosts to exit at the group stage but at least they won admirers for giving it a go. 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, they exited their own tournament following the Netherlands’ 1-1 draw with Ecuador. Whereas South Africa beat France in their final group game 12 years ago, it will take an almighty effort for Qatar to salvage some pride against Louis van Gaal’s team on Tuesday. Senegal became the first African side to win at this World Cup, doing so without Sadio Mane. Their date with Ecuador now has all the makings of a classic decider. Aliou Cisse’s side largely controlled this game, showing the gulf in class. Every player 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, having not yet managed a shot on target, 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 Cristiano Ronaldo winning a spot-kick for much less a day earlier. Qatari anger was amplified when Boulaye Dia 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, younger brother of Olympic high jump champion Mutaz Essa Barshim. He couldn’t leap like his sibling to stop Famara Diedhiou’s header from making it 2-0 in the 48th minute. In the 78th minute, Qatar made it 2-1 thanks to substitute Mohammed Muntari but Senegal scored a third after Bamba Dieng met 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 defeat against Ecuador last week. Now two losses in six days have handed them a deflating departure.