Senegal rout Iraq 5-0 to strengthen World Cup knockout stage push

TORONTO (AP): Senegal produced a five-goal performance against a depleted Iraq side yesterday, strengthening their case for a place in the World Cup knockout phase.

Pape Gueye found the net twice in the second half as the Senegalese, pressing for a third-place finish in Group I, punished Iraq after defender Rebin Sulaka was dismissed in the first half. Sulaka received a straight red in the 13th minute for stopping Sadio Mane when the forward was clear on goal.

Habib Diarra had opened the scoring in the fourth minute, yet Senegal could not add to the tally until Ismaila Sarr struck in the 56th minute. Gueye then completed his brace, and fellow substitute Iliman Ndiaye sealed the 5-0 result with the fifth goal.

Senegal now sit on three points with a plus-two goal difference. The eight highest-ranked third-place teams across the groups progress to the Round of 32, with goals scored and goal difference used to separate sides level on points.

Iraq departed the tournament without earning a point, ending a World Cup campaign that marked their first finals appearance since 1986.