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World Cup 2022: Qatar out of tournament – first-ever host nation to be eliminated after just two games

World Cup 2022: Qatar out of tournament - first-ever host nation to be eliminated after just two games

Qatar are out of the World Cup – the first time a host nation has been eliminated after two games.

The Netherlands’ 1-1 draw with Ecuador on Friday was enough to seal the Middle Eastern country’s fate after the home side lost 3-1 to Senegal earlier in the day.

Last Sunday, Qatar were defeated 2-0 by Ecuador in the tournament opener. They are on 0 points and a goal difference of -4.

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Some of Qatar’s players looked dejected after Senegal went 2-0 up in their game

Qatar still have to play their third group match on Tuesday, against the Netherlands.

But even if the hosts won that clash, they would still only be on 3 points and would not be able to finish Group A in the top two.

Only the winner and runner-up in each group go through to the last 16 stage of the competition.

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The Netherlands and Ecuador are both on 4 points.

Senegal, the African champions, lie in third spot with 3 points and theoretically could still progress if they overcome Ecuador on Tuesday.

At the Khalifa Stadium, the Dutch went in front thanks to a stunning strike from PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo on 6 minutes.

Ecuador's Enner Valencia scores against the Netherlands
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Ecuador’s Enner Valencia scored against the Netherlands

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Ecuador then levelled matters in the 49th minute courtesy of Enner Valencia who tapped in his third goal of the tournament.

The South Americans had a goal from Brighton wing-back Pervis Estupinan disallowed on the stroke of half-time and also hit the bar close to the hour mark through Gonzalo Plata.