Enner Valencia scored his third goal of the World Cup before being taken off on a stretcher as Ecuador drew with the Netherlands to leave Group A wide open. PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo had given the Netherlands the lead after just five minutes and four seconds – the quickest goal so far in Qatar – when he struck a shot beautifully into the top of the net.
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Host nation Qatar have crashed out of the World Cup after they slumped to a 3-1 defeat by Senegal at the Al Thumama Stadium on Friday, despite Mohammed Muntari netting a first-ever World Cup finals goal for the Qataris. The Netherlands’ draw against Ecuador, who beat Qatar in the tournament’s opening game, later on Friday confirmed that the Qataris become the first side mathematically eliminated.
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Wales’ first World Cup for 64 years looks set to end at the first hurdle after Iran secured a last ditch but deserved win.Substitute Roozbeh Cheshmi struck from 20 yards nine minutes into stoppage time, before Ramin Rezaeian finished off a counter-attack to seal victory for a revitalised Iran side.
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Richarlison lit up the World Cup with a moment of Brazilian magic as the tournament favourites overcame Serbia’s stubborn resistance to open their campaign with an impressive victory. Brazil had to play a patient game to break down an organised Serbia rearguard but forced the breakthrough after 62 minutes.
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Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score at five Fifa World Cups as Portugal began their campaign with a thrilling victory over Ghana. The 37-year-old scored the opening goal from the penalty spot but Ghana hit back through Andre Ayew. Quick-fire goals from Joao Felix and Rafael Leao ultimately proved decisive.
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