Gueye Brace Headlines Senegal's Ruthless 5-0 Dismantling of Ten-Man Iraq

A Statement Exit, Even in Defeat

Senegal couldn't save their World Cup campaign, but they sure saved face. Playing out their final Group I fixture knowing advancement was already beyond reach, the Lions of Teranga produced their most complete performance of the tournament — a relentless, five-goal demolition of a ten-man Iraq side that had already been eliminated. It was cathartic, clinical, and ultimately too late.

Key Moment: Red Card Changes Everything

The match's decisive turning point arrived just 13 minutes in when Iraq's Rebin Ghareeb Solaka Adhamat was shown a straight red card, leaving the already-struggling Iraqis to navigate 77-plus minutes a man down. Mouhamadou Habib Diarra had already opened the scoring in the 4th minute, and with the numerical advantage secured, Senegal had all the tools they needed to run riot. Ismaïla Sarr added a second in the 56th minute before Pape Alassane Gueye turned the game into a personal showcase, netting in the 59th and 71st to put the result beyond any doubt. Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye rounded things off in the 82nd, completing a miserable night for Iraq.

Context: Too Little, Too Late

Senegal's form coming into this match told the story of a tournament that never clicked — wins were elusive and defensive lapses costly across their three outings. Iraq, winless and with just one goal to their name across the group stage, were simply not the opposition needed to spark a miraculous recovery. Senegal finish third in Group I on 3 points, with France (9 pts) topping the group and Norway (6 pts) taking the runners-up spot.

Betting Implications

Pre-match odds were unavailable for this fixture, but a five-goal margin against ten men landed the over comfortably for any bettors who found a line. For futures players, this result — commanding as it was — doesn't change Senegal's exit or Iraq's wooden-spoon finish. Attention now turns to France and Norway, both of whom advance to the Round of 32. Norway, finishing second with a +1 goal difference after an up-and-down group, could offer value in that next round depending on their draw.

Watch the Round of 32 bracket closely — Norway at plus-money in the right matchup could be a sharp play.

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