This was impressive stuff from Senegal, who beat Ecuador at the Khalifa International Stadium yesterday in a game the African champions had to win to nab the runners-up spot in Group A and set up what, even before England's win over Wales, always looked likely to be a clash with Gareth Southgate's side.
A point would have been enough for Ecuador, who were favourites to advance after two eye-catching performances but found themselves almost entirely nullified by a team who, under Aliou Cisse, have developed as much knockout nous and experience as any side here.
Four years ago, Senegal bowed out of the group stage on the farcical tiebreaker of fair play but have since reached two Africa Cup of Nations finals, winning the most recent, as well as coming through a do-or-die qualification play-off against Egypt to reach Qatar. "We're used to playing these kinds of games," Cisse said yesterday.
This story is from the November 30, 2022 edition of Evening Standard.
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This story is from the November 30, 2022 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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