Shocked by the zero out of five, four years ago, in Russia, where Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Senegal had gone out in the first round, Africa will have at least two, and perhaps three, representatives in the next round.
Morocco even finished at the top of its group F, which was very tough with the Croatian vice-champions of the world and the Belgians, as it had done in 1986 in front of Portugal and England.
The last African team to have managed to take first place in a group was Nigeria in 1998.
It is joined by Senegal, which recovered from Sadio Mané’s injury just before the start of the competition and a frustrating opening loss to the Netherlands (2-0).
Tunisia, who beat a reshuffled France (1-0) for the last day of Group D, came close, but Ghana, second in Group H before facing Uruguay, could also pass the first round, while the mission will be more complicated for Cameroon, facing Brazil.
Africa has had more than two teams in the World Cup round of 16.
The second fixtures of the group phase of 2022 Qatar World Cup ended Monday (Nov. 29) with two exciting performances by Cameroon and Ghana. Overall, the 5 African nations represented were able to raise up their game.
Africa’s representatives at the 22nd FIFA World Cup can still qualify for the round of 16. With some provided with bigger ad other slimmer chances.
France, Portugal and Brazil are the first nations which have already booked their ticket for the next stage.
Bets are open ahead of the fixture Senegal-Ecuador. The Netherlands only need a point to advance in the tournament. On Tuesday (Nov. 29), they’ll play already eliminated hosts Qatar.
The African champions must win to qualify and will want to build on their strong offensive performance against the Qataris (3-1). A draw would qualify the Central American team, which is worried about its captain Enner Valencia, co-top scorer of the tournament (3 goals) who suffered a knee injury.
Tunisia will play reigning champions France on Wednesday (Nov. 30). ‘Les Bleus’ became the first team to qualify for the next round when beating Denmark (2-1) on November 26 and are expected to rotate their squad for their last group game.
The Carthage Eagles can keep their dream to reach a knockout stage spot in 6th World Cup appearance if they beat the French substitute team. In addition to that, Australia vs Denmark should end in a draw.
For the Danes to qualify they must beat the Australians and hope for a draw or a France’s victory in the other fixture of the group.
Standing: France (6pts), Australia (3pts), Danemark (1 pts), Tunisia (1pt).
Group F
Morocco is in a rather comfortable position ahead of its match against already eliminated Canada on Thursday, December 1st.
Croatia, the finalist of the 2018 World Cup, need to secure a draw to move forward. Belgium will play its qualification on Thursday in a stressful clash against the Croats. A success would send the Red Devils through the round of 16. A defeat would mean elimination. In case of a draw, their fate would be in the hands of Morocco.
Cameroon secured a draw against Serbia in dramatic fashion on Monday (Nov. 28). The Indomitable Lions will remember an eventful and historic day as they scored a first point in the World Cup in 20-years.
They are however in a complicated position ahead of their game against Brazil on Friday (Dec. 2).
The Seleçao qualified after beating Switzerland with a goal by Casemiro to reach the knockout stage on November 28.
Switzerland will have to dominate Serbia to secure a spot in the next round.
Standing: Brazil (6pts), Switzeland (3pts), Cameroon (1pt), Serbia (1pt).
Group H
Ghana vs Uruguay already has a taste of legend. The fixture is a repeat of the 2010 quarter finals as well as a must-win for the Black Stars.
The game provides an opportunity to even the score in the rivalry and is a decisive match to advance in the Qatar World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal qualified after beating Uruguay on Monday (Nov. 28). The Portuguese will face South Korea on Friday (Dec. 2). The situation is critical for South Korea and Uruguay, but both teams can still qualify.
Standing: Portugal (6pts), Ghana (3pts), South Korea (1pt), Uruguay (1pt).
After two rounds of games, Africa’s five World Cup representatives now know what they need to qualify for the last 16 in Qatar.
Three sides from the continent have their destiny in their own hands going into the final round of group games, but two others need to win and then hope other results go their way.
If two sides finish level on points, final group standings will be decided by goal difference, then goals scored before head-to-head results and fair play records come in.
If records are still identical, lots will be drawn – and if the latter sounds far-fetched, do not forget that Senegal became the first side to be eliminated on fair play in Russia four years ago.
Ghana – Uruguay revenge can seal progress
Ghana held their nerve to beat South Korea 3-2 on Monday and secure a vital three points after a defeat by the same scoreline to Portugal in their opener.
Monday’s win keeps the Black Stars’ fate in their own hands, and while a draw could be enough if Portugal beat South Korea, the West Africans know that victory over Uruguay in their final match on Friday (15:00 GMT) will see them through.
The prospect of knocking out Uruguay at the same time adds further spice to a tie already smothered in it since the game is a rematch of the 2010 quarter-final, which saw Ghana narrowly miss out on becoming the first African side to reach the semi-finals.
In an unforgettable clash, Uruguay’s Luis Suarez was sent off deep into extra-time for a handball on the goalline to stop a certain goal – prior to Asamoah Gyan missing the resulting penalty, and the South Americans going on to win via a shoot-out.
Suarez could again feature as one of three survivors from the Uruguay starting XI from that match in Johannesburg, while Andre Ayew is the only member of Ghana’s 2010 squad in Qatar – even if he did not feature in the last eight matches in South Africa.
“It will be very difficult but I’m not a guy that thinks much of revenge,” coach Otto Addo said.
“It was a really, really long time ago. I am a strong believer if you don’t seek too much revenge on these kind of things, sometimes you get the blessings.”
Ghana scored three goals in a World Cup match for the first time
Senegal – Win needed, but draw could do
The equation is fairly simple for the African champions – the Teranga Lions must beat Ecuador on Tuesday (15:00 GMT) to be sure of progressing from Group A, while the South Americans need just a point to go through themselves.
Senegal could go through with a draw but only if the Netherlands lose to Qatar, which seems unlikely, by a margin of three goals – or a margin of two goals and Senegal outscore the Dutch by a goal.
Given the hosts have lost both their games so far, Aliou Cisse should not count on such a favour and has promised “not to overthink the game” against Ecuador.
“We understand that winning will allow us to continue the adventure and that’s what we want to do,” Cisse said. “We are OK, we are dealing with pressure and stress. For me, it is good stress.”
Senegal knocked Qatar out of their own World Cup last time out
Tunisia – Three points may not be enough
Tunisia are up against it as the Carthage Eagles sit bottom of Group D after a goalless draw with Denmark preceded a 1-0 defeat by Australia.
The North Africans have to beat defending champions France, who are already assured of a last-16 place and must score their first goal in Qatar on Wednesday (15:00 GMT) to have any chance of doing so.
Even then, that will not be enough if Australia beat Denmark.
Tunisia will progress on goal difference if they win and Australia-Denmark ends in a draw, but a win for Denmark would see it come down to goal difference, goals scored or even, possibly, the fair play record.
Tunisia were the first African country to win a game at the World Cup when they beat Mexico 3-1 in Argentina in 1978, but they once again look set to fail to reach the knock-out stages – for the sixth time out of six.
Tunisian fans have backed their team in great number but have yet to see them score a goal
Morocco – One point will do
Sunday’s stunning 2-0 victory over Belgium leaves Morocco in a strong position in Group F, with four points from two games.
A draw in their final match against Canada on Thursday (15:00 GMT) will be enough to reach the knock-out stages for just the second time, and first since topping their group in 1986.
Morocco could win the group if they win and Belgium beat Croatia in the other match – or if the Atlas Lions and Croatia are both victorious and the North Africans better Croatia’s margin of victory by two goals.
“We’ve matched two of the best teams in the world,” coach Walid Regragui said. “Of course it will be tougher if we get to the knockout stage but that’s the level I want to get to.
“With these fans, with these players and this spirit we can do anything. The competition is not over, we have to recover quickly for the game against Canada.”
Morocco celebrate their stunning win, their first at the World Cup since 1986, over Belgium
Cameroon – Win and … hope for the best
The Indomitable Lions seemed to be crashing out early when trailing Serbia 3-1 with half an hour left in their second group game, but a Vincent Aboubakar-inspired comeback saw the Central Africans draw 3-3 and live to fight another day.
Similar to Tunisia, Cameroon need a victory against one of the heavyweights of world football – in this instance, five-time World Cup winners Brazil themselves – in their final game on Friday (19:00 GMT).
The Brazilians are already through to the last 16 but for Cameroon, like the North Africans, a win may not be enough depending on the result of the Serbia-Switzerland game.
“It is possible to beat Brazil,” coach Rigobert Song said. “We believe in ourselves, we did not come here to just go through the motions. Cameroon still has a contribution to make to this tournament.”
After trailing by two goals, Cameroon produced a stunning comeback to draw 3-3 with Serbia on Monday
Preparations for the November Football World Cupare not going smoothly for all African teams.
Friendly matches were held on Tuesday, September 27, as part of the Qatar World Cup preparations. The international tournament is set to kick off on November 20.
Cameroon suffered a second defeat in less than a week. The Indomitable lions were beaten by South Korea 0 – 1 at Seoul World Cup Stadium in South Korea.
After the Super Sonny’s tie with Costa Rica, the South Korean were happy to end their last friendly match on a positive note. On Friday it is the Uzbek squad who defeated the Cameroonians 2 – 0.
In Vienna (Austria) on Tuesday, Senegal was held in check by Iran. Aliou Cisse’s men did not open the score, but benefited from a goal by Iranian Morteza Pouraliganji in the 55th minute.
Azmoun scored for Iran in the 64th minute enabling his team to end the match on a draw (1-1) against the Teranga Lions.
Ghana won 1-0 against Nicaragua. Fatawu Issahaku scored for the Black Stars during the first half played at the Estadio Francisco Artés Carrasco in Lorca.
And Tunisia, was atomized by Brazil at the Parc des Princes (France) 5 goals to 1.
Morocco held Paraguay in check at the Benito Villamarin stadium in Seville after its victory against Chile (2-0) last Friday.
World Cup final draw
Five African teams have gained places in groups A, D, F, G and H. Cameroon, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia.
The African champions will evolve in group A. Senegal will face hosts, Qatar, the Netherlands and Ecuador.
In Group D, Tunisia will be playing against defending champions, France and Denmark plus Australia.
In Group F, Morocco faces a battle against Canada, Belgium and Croatia.
Cameroon will face record holder Brazil in Group G as well as Switzerland and Serbia.
