FIFA World Cup 2022, Group A highlights: Netherlands and Senegal enter last 16 with impressive wins

Netherlands and Senegal have advanced to the Round of 16 phase of the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. The Dutch (Group A leaders) will meet the runners-up from Group B in the last 16 of the World Cup. Thus, Netherlands can face England if the Three Lions finish second in Group B. The winners of Group B will face meet Senegal, who have entered the last 16 without their talismanic striker Sadio Mane. 

Netherlands have emerged as the Group A leaders with a 2-0 win over Qatar. The Dutch side picked up 7 points from 3 matches. Senegal secured 6 points to enter the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Ecuador have finished third and they have bowed out of the World Cup. Qatar failed to open its account in Group A as the hosts lost all of their 3 matches. 

Senegal have upstaged Ecuador 2-1. They have joined the Netherlands in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Qatar, who suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands, have lost all of its three group game matches at the World Cup. 

Mendy with a stunning save as Ecuador get another corner. Dia has been replaced by Cisse in the remaining seconds of the game. We are heading into the final 60 seconds! Senegal are almost there! 

Ecuador and Senegal's World Cup fates will be decided by added six minutes as we approach the end of the 2nd half. Senegal will do everything to thwart Ecuador's bid of scoring a late goal in injury time.

Koulibaly's Senegal will have to come up with a defensive masterclass in the remaining time to upstage a goal-hungry Ecuador side. Valencia has been blocked by Abdou Diallo and the referee has refused to give his side a freekick. Ecuador 1-2 Senegal as we head into the final 5 minutes of the game. 

Only two minutes and 30 seconds between the two goals scored in the second half of the match. Senegal have regained the lead with Kalidou Koulibaly, who slotted home the second goal for his side in the 70th minute of the game. Who will join the Netherlands in the last 16? Will it be Senegal or will it be Ecuador? 

What a goal and how crucial it is going to be for Ecuador. Moises Caicedo has just scored the equaliser for Ecuador with a header. It's all to play for again! The Brighton & Hove Albion F.C star has made sure that his side remains in the hunt for the last 16 phase of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. 

Netherlands thought they had scored but VAR had other ideas. Steven Berghuis and Gakpo kickstarted the celebrations which was short-lived as the goal has been disallowed for handball. The Dutch still in control and they will continue to knock on the doors for another goal. 

With the 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup set to enter its business end, the stage was set for Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal to fight for the top spot in Group A at the Qatar World Cup. Qatar, who are already out of the FIFA World Cup 2022, are set record its third-straight defeat in the group stage. Another dubious record in the making for the host nation? 

Valencia and Estrada are feeling the heat as Senegal are leading 1-0 in the 2nd half. The Netherlands will finish top of the group as it stands. Ismaïla Sarr's penalty has put Senegal in the driving seat for progression to the last 16. 

Barcelona playmaker Frenkie de Jong has netted the second goal for the Orange Army, moments after the start of the second half. De Jong has scored the goal on the rebound after Depay's shot was blocked by Barsham. A second goal and Dutch are all set to top Group A!

Cody Gakpo is busy making headlines at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. The flying Dutchman has become the first Netherlands player to score in each of his first 3 matches at the showpiece event. A massive feat!

Klaasssen managed to find Depay, who has come up with right-footed shot but his attempt is well wide of the left post. And with that, the first half has come to an end. An eventful evening for Depay! He will be eager to open his account in the second half. 

Ecuador have paid the price as Senegal have fired the all-important opener! Sarr has slotted home as the Lions of Teranga are on their way to celebrate the opener. A brilliant penalty by Sarr as goalkeeper Hernan Galindez was bamboozled! Ecuador 0-1 Senegal and it's half-time! 

Piero Hincapie, what you have you done? The Ecuador international has clashed with Sarr and referee has pointed to the spot. It's a penalty for Senegal! Meanwhile, the referee in the other match has decided to add three added minutes for Netherlands to punish Qatar before the end of the first half. 

De Roon has managed to find Gakpo in the danger zone. He takes a quick touch and then unleashes a shot on goal. His volley has gone over the bar in the 41st minute of the game. 

Did you know? No player has ever scored seven goals in a row for their nation at the FIFA World Cup. However, superstar Enner Valencia is only one strike away from achieving this impressive feat in Qatar. Can he open the scoring tonight? 

Gakpo has scored the opener! This was on the cards. Klaassen's pass was well greeted by Gakpo, who fired a low-shot into the bottom-right corner. Van Gaal's men have taken the lead in the 26th minute of the game. 

Preciado is having a hard time in the right-hand side against Sarr. Ecuador and Senegal are fighting for early possession. Sarr has recorded his 50th international cap in the ongoing match. The Senegalese star has netted 10 goals in 49 games for his side. 

The Netherlands are enjoying possession as Qatar just can’t get on the ball. Earlier, Qatar players received the loudest cheer for clearing the ball after a Cody Gakpo corner. The Qatar fans are rallying behind the hosts but it’s the Dutch side, who is calling the shots in the first half. After 19 minutes, it's goalless at the Al Bayt Stadium. 

Idrissa Gueye makes a mesmerizing run after collecting a cross-field pass on the edge of the Ecuador box. An impressive run but he has let down his camp with an awful shot. After arriving in the danger area, he fired a shot which is well wide. 

A brilliant ball for Depay in the 4th minute of the game but his first time shot is blocked by Barsham. Good defending by Qatar. An impressive start by Louis van Gaal's men. 

Netherlands match against Qatar is underway at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. The Dutch are the overwhelming favourites in this one. Meanwhile Netherlands' Group A rivals Senegal are taking on Ecuador at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

Qatar are already eliminated while Ecuador need to win or register a draw to qualify for the last 16 stage of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Senegal need to win its match if they want to qualify. They will also remain in contention with a draw but then Qatar will have to beat the Netherlands. National anthems are up next!