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FIFA World Cup
The Lions of Mesopotamia arrive at Toronto Stadium with no points from two matches, having opened with a 4-1 defeat to Norway before falling 3-0 to France.
Those results leave Graham Arnold’s side bottom of the group with an inferior goal difference, but victory over Senegal would lift them to three points and keep them in contention for one of the best third-placed spots.
Those results leave Graham Arnold’s side bottom of the group with an inferior goal difference, but victory over Senegal would lift them to three points and keep them in contention for one of the best third-placed spots.
Participating in their first FIFA World Cup since their debut in 1986 already represented a major milestone for Iraq, who now must show they can finish with authority against a Senegal side also under pressure.
With Aymen Hussein having limped off in the 26th minute against France with a hamstring injury, Arnold will depend on the likes of Ali Jasim, Zidane Iqbal and Ibrahim Bayesh to provide the attacking spark.
There were flashes of promise against France, particularly when Ali Al Hamadi came close to scoring in the 75th minute but Iraq will need to sharpen their attacking boots to trouble Senegal’s backline.
With Aymen Hussein having limped off in the 26th minute against France with a hamstring injury, Arnold will depend on the likes of Ali Jasim, Zidane Iqbal and Ibrahim Bayesh to provide the attacking spark.
There were flashes of promise against France, particularly when Ali Al Hamadi came close to scoring in the 75th minute but Iraq will need to sharpen their attacking boots to trouble Senegal’s backline.
Senegal, meanwhile, have endured a campaign far below expectations. Pape Thiaw’s side were beaten 3-1 by France before a damaging 3-2 defeat to Norway left them without a point.
Captain Kalidou Koulibaly accepted responsibility for defensive errors against Norway but Senegal did show resilience in attack, with Ismaila Sarr scoring twice and nearly dragging them back into the contest.
Captain Kalidou Koulibaly accepted responsibility for defensive errors against Norway but Senegal did show resilience in attack, with Ismaila Sarr scoring twice and nearly dragging them back into the contest.
Senegal v Iraq
Toronto Stadium (Toronto, Ontario)
Kick-off: Friday, 15:00 (UTC-4)
Toronto Stadium (Toronto, Ontario)
Kick-off: Friday, 15:00 (UTC-4)
