Senegal demolish ten-man Iraq to stay in contention

Senegal cruised to a 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq in Toronto to move into the top eight best third-placed sides. Habib Diarra opened the scoring after four minutes before Rebin Sulaka was sent off for eliminated Iraq for bringing down Sadio Mane in the 13th minute. Ismaila Sarr added a goal and an assist, and there was a stunning second-half brace from substitute Pape Gueye before Iliman Ndiaye added a valuable fifth towards Senegal’s goal difference.

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Turkey grab last minute winner to beat USA

Turkey ended their goal drought as substitute Kaan Ayhan steered in a winner deep into stoppage time to secure a 3-2 win over the United States. Auston Trusty and Sebastian Berhalter scored early in each half for the co-hosts in Los Angeles, either side of goals from Arda Guler and Baris Yilmaz, but Ayhan had the final say to restore some Turkish pride despite finishing bottom of Group D.

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Australia secure second while Paraguay live in hope

Australia booked their place in the World Cup’s round of 32 on Thursday with a cagey 0-0 draw against Paraguay that left the South Americans facing a nervous wait to see if they will advance. In a physical, scrappy contest at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Paraguay pushed late after being dominated early but it ended with the Socceroos making the tournament’s knockout phase for a third time, four years after reaching the last 16 in Qatar.

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Japan and Sweden draw to secure knock-out progression

Japan and Sweden booked their places in the knockout phase of the World Cup as they drew 1-1 in their final Group F clash in Dallas. The point sends Japan through in second place behind the Netherlands with Sweden top of the third-place teams, dealing another blow to Scotland’s hopes of reaching the last 32.

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Netherlands breeze past Tunisia to book spot in last 32

The Netherlands finished the World Cup group stage on top of Group F as they chalked up a comfortable 3-1 victory over Tunisia in Kansas City. The Dutch started at a red-hot pace, taking just seven minutes to establish a 2-0 lead. Ronald Koeman’s side went ahead in the third minute courtesy of an Ellyes Skhiri own goal, after he lashed out at a cross and inadvertently tipped the ball into the back of his own net.

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