Ecuador out of 2022 World Cup: Enner Valencia's shocking dive v Senegal | OneFootball

It’s official: Ecuador are out of the 2022 World Cup.

The South American nation needed just a point from their final group match to seal passage to the Round of 16.

Ecuador drew 1-1 with Group A favourites Holland last Friday, but couldn’t repeat those heroics against Sadio Mane-less Senegal on Tuesday evening.

The Lions of Teranga won by a scoreline of 2-1 to book their place in the knockout stage, Kalidou Koulibaly’s goal proving to be the game’s winner.

Ismaila Sarr had given Senegal the lead with the coolest of no-look penalties towards the end of the first half, but Ecuador levelled things after the break through Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.

The joy from the equaliser was short-lived for Ecuador, though, with Koulibaly’s strike coming just two minutes later.

It’s heartbreak for Ecuador and their captain, Enner Valencia.

The striker scored three goals at the Qatar World Cup, including a brace against the host nation, but will not have a chance to add to his tally.

And as well as suffering elimination against Senegal on Tuesday, Valencia well and truly embarrassed himself towards the end of the first half at the Khalifa International Stadium.

The former West Ham United man was guilty of feigning injury after minimal contact from the boot of Youssouf Sabaly, who plays for Real Betis.

As dives on the World Cup stage go, it’s about as horrendous as it gets…

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Yeah, that’s just shocking from Valencia.

There was contact, of that there can be no doubt, but enough to send a player tumbling to the turf in agony? No chance whatsoever.

We expect better from you, Enner.

Senegal through to the Round of 16 for the first time in 20 years

So, it’s Senegal who join Holland in the knockout stage from Group A and the Africa Cup of Nations holders will play the winner from Group B – which will likely be England.

It’s the first time since 2002 that Senegal have progressed from the opening round, when Bruno Metsu’s exciting team shocked the footballing sphere.

And who was Metsu’s captain back in 2002? None other than Aliou Cisse, the nation’s current manager.

The World Cup is just something else, isn’t it?

Quiz: Can you name all 30 of these ‘streets won’t forget’ players from World Cups?