TheCable

Day 10 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup saw Senegal become the first African representative to qualify for the round of 16 after a 2-1 win over Ecuador.

England booked their last-16 place with a convincing 3-0 win over Wales at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, thanks to Marcus Rashford’s brace and Phil Foden’s goal.

Here are four major talking points from Day 10.

Senegal gives Africa something to celebrate

The Teranga Lions needed victory to stay at this year’s Mundial and they grabbed it against Ecuador.

Senegal scored in each half through Ismaila Sarr and Kalidou Koulibaly respectively to become the first African nation to make it out of the group stage at this year’s World Cup.

Moises Caicedo scored Ecuador’s solitary goal as the South Americans crashed out of the football Mundial.

Gakpo keeps scoring 

Manchester United target Cody Gakpo scored his third goal of the tournament as the Netherlands cruised to victory over Qatar to secure the top spot in Group A.

The 23-year-old’s displays in Qatar have also bolstered his credentials following his sensational start to the 2022/23 campaign with PSV.

His 26th-minute strike from the edge of the penalty area against Qatar came via his right foot. He has already netted with his left against Ecuador and his head against Senegal.

Marcus Rashford gets double

A scintillating second-half display saw England thump Wales 3-0 and qualify for the last 16 of the 2022 World Cup as Group B winners.

The Three Lions earned their bragging rights in the UK derby with Rashford bagging a brace.

Following a dull first half in the battle of the Brits, England struck twice in the space of a minute through Rashford and Phil Foden before the former added a second to put the cherry on the icing on the cake, condemning Wales to a group-stage exit in their first World Cup in 64 years.

Christian Pulisic is having a great tournament

The performance of Christian Pulisic in Qatar has left many wondering why he is a fringe player at Chelsea.

Pulisic’s half strike proved enough to guide USA to a narrow 1-0 victory over Iran that sets up a last-16 tie with the Netherlands on Saturday.

USA were unable to make the most of a number of golden opportunities in a dominant first-half performance until Pulisic gave his side a deserved lead in the 38th minute.

Photo credit: Pooja Media