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Why Senegal and Iraq Haven’t Been Eliminated Despite Being on 0 Points

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Both Senegal and Iraq head into their final World Cup group-stage fixture this week with qualification for the knockout stages still a strong possibility, despite both nations having lost their opening two games. It has been a massively disappointing summer so far, especially for the Lions of Teranga, who arrived in the USA, Canada and Mexico with a dark-horse reputation.

Having proved their credentials by going all the way to win the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year (before a ruling later handed Morocco the title after Sadio Mane’s teammates broke a major rule by protesting the referee’s decisions during the final), many onlookers would have expected more than 3-1 and 3-2 defeats to France and Norway.

Meanwhile, Iraq’s 3-0 and 4-1 losses against the same opposition have cast even more doubt over their ability to mount a comeback.

Despite that, an explanation has emerged as to how both nations can still rescue their campaigns and reach the knockout stages from zero points.

How Senegal and Iraq Can Still Qualify for Knockouts from Zero Points

Iraq's Aymen Hussein points vs Bahrain

Given the scale of their defeats, many would assume Senegal and Iraq’s hopes of reaching the round of 32 are already over. In most other World Cup groups, that would be true, with Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia and Jordan all eliminated after losing their opening two matches. However, Group I presents a different scenario.

Despite their difficult starts, both Senegal and Iraq still have a pathway to the knockout stages heading into Friday night’s final round of fixtures. The reason is simple: the two sides face each other in their final group-stage match, creating what could effectively become a knockout game depending on results elsewhere in the tournament.

Under the expanded 2026 World Cup format, eight of the 12 teams that finish third in their groups will advance to the round of 32. According to FIFA, those teams are ranked first by points earned during the group stage. If teams are level on points, goal difference is used as the first tiebreaker, followed by goals scored if necessary.

As a result, both Senegal and Iraq remain firmly in contention. Victory in their final group match – particularly by a convincing margin – would improve their goal difference and strengthen their chances of claiming one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed spots.

Who They Could Face in Last 32

Senegal players at World Cup REUTERS/Mike Segar

As things stand, Senegal are the clear favourites to beat Iraq in their final Group I fixture, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages. Should they secure progression to the round of 32, their potential opponents are not yet confirmed.

However, based on the tournament bracket, a third-placed Senegal side would face one of the teams that finishes top of Groups A, B, D, G, K or L. At present, the leaders of those groups are Mexico (Group A), Canada (Group B), the United States (Group D), Egypt (Group G), Colombia (Group K) and England (Group L).

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Arsenal Want Crysencio Summerville Amid Tottenham And Man Utd Battle

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Arsenal have entered the race to sign a forward this summer, as FootMercato reports that the Gunners will need to beat their rivals to his signature.

It comes as the North London side are keen to bolster their attacking options after winning the Premier League, believing that the next evolution of the side includes more opportunities and more goals.

Links have persisted over a transfer for Julian Alvarez, as well as interest in PSG’s Bradley Barcola, with the pair coming as potentially expensive signings.

Elsewhere, talks are ongoing with Club Brugge over the signing of Christos Tzolis, who could provide squad depth, while Jeremy Monga is expected to join from Leicester City as a promising option for the future.

There are other options on the market, however, that Arsenal are seemingly pushing to sign.

Arsenal Want Crysencio Summerville

West Ham United's Crysencio Summerville via Reuters

According to a report from FootMercato, Arsenal have entered the race to sign Crysencio Summerville, with interest seemingly building in the West Ham winger.

The Dutch international star, who is currently playing in the World Cup for his nation, is believed to be available for roughly £50 million, following the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League.

That, along with his performances last season, has played a part in teams trying their luck to land him. Arsenal are not alone in their interest, as reports have suggested that rivals Tottenham and Manchester United are keen on a move for Summerville.

That is on top of reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain, which could make it tough to land the 24-year-old in the coming weeks of the market.

It means Arsenal could have some catching up to do in their move for the winger, with their rivals already seemingly pushing forward with a transfer.

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Arsenal Need To Move Fast

Andrea Berta

If Arsenal truly want to get a deal done for Summerville, then sporting director Andrea Berta will need to move fast to get ahead of the club’s rivals in pursuit of the winger.

Interest from the likes of Man United and Tottenham has been known for weeks, with talks already seemingly being held with representatives over what it could take to get a deal over the line.

While Arsenal will surely have some sway as the Premier League champions, the difficulty comes in those pre-existing relationships clubs build with agents.

The Gunners will be starting from a position slightly further back than the others, meaning they need to get a move on to at least draw level in the race.


Mikel Arteta


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The Gunners are set to make a bid for the Aston Villa frontman

The World Cup could buy them some time, with the Netherlands likely to progress through the group stages and extending Summerville’s stay in America.

If he decides to wait until after the tournament to make his move, then Arsenal could have the time required to position themselves well to land him.

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Roberto De Zerbi Wants Jason Steele At Tottenham

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Tottenham continue to push on in the transfer market, as The Athletic reports that another possible reunion could be on the cards for manager Roberto De Zerbi and a former player of his.

The head coach has already reunited with Jan Paul van Hecke, after Spurs agreed a £52 million fee to land the defender from Brighton this summer.

The Netherlands international joins the likes of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson as additions to the backline, with the Lilywhites now well-equipped at the back for next season.

Attention turns elsewhere in the market, as the club push on for deals to sign Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes in the midfield, while interest is there for Savinho and Cody Gakpo.

However, there is also focus being placed on the goalkeeping department, where further changes are expected at Tottenham.

Tottenham Want Jason Steele Transfer

Brighton & Hove Albion's Jason Steele celebrates

As Tottenham prepare for a shuffle in the goalkeeping ranks, The Athletic reports that the club are interested in Brighton shot-stopper Jason Steele.

The 35-year-old has one-year remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium, and has been playing as the second-choice option to Bart Verbruggen.

The report claims that Steele is a candidate on a shortlist of potential options to play as a back-up goalkeeper for the coming season, having been outlined as a “good option” for the club moving forward.

During his time at Brighton, De Zerbi made use of the experienced star plenty, handing him 43 appearances across two separate campaigns.

In that time, the glovesman kept 11 clean sheets for the Italian head coach across all competitions, and was widely praised for his ability with the ball at his feet.

Given the fact that Tottenham are facing the possibility of losing Guglielmo Vicario this summer, a move for Steele would help reinforce the options in goal.

That would also provide a mentor for Antonin Kinsky, who could have a chance to stake a claim as the number-one choice between the sticks next season.

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What De Zerbi Has Said About Steele

Jason Steele

Steele has earned plenty of plaudits during his time at Brighton, which included some praise from his former manager, De Zerbi, back in late 2023.

“He’s very important on the pitch and off the pitch,” said De Zerbi on Steele’s influence.

“I think he deserved a new contract because he’s playing very well. Last season [he] was one of the secrets to reach the target and this season he is playing very well.

“We are playing well, Jason is playing well. I think he knows very well my idea. Verbruggen is not the same level but is very important for us now and the future. We are Brighton and we have to improve our young players. We have to be more focused in some situations.”


Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi celebrates win at Aston Villa


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Roberto De Zerbi wants a big-name midfielder

De Zerbi could now recreate that dynamic with the reunion for Steele, while the club tries to progress with Kinsky as the player for the future.

It remains to be seen whether a deal will get over the line, but it could prove to be a shrewd bit of business from Spurs.

Continue Reading

Sports

Roberto De Zerbi Wants Jason Steele At Tottenham

Published

on

By


Tottenham continue to push on in the transfer market, as The Athletic reports that another possible reunion could be on the cards for manager Roberto De Zerbi and a former player of his.

The head coach has already reunited with Jan Paul van Hecke, after Spurs agreed a £52 million fee to land the defender from Brighton this summer.

The Netherlands international joins the likes of Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson as additions to the backline, with the Lilywhites now well-equipped at the back for next season.

Attention turns elsewhere in the market, as the club push on for deals to sign Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes in the midfield, while interest is there for Savinho and Cody Gakpo.

However, there is also focus being placed on the goalkeeping department, where further changes are expected at Tottenham.

Tottenham Want Jason Steele Transfer

Brighton & Hove Albion's Jason Steele celebrates

As Tottenham prepare for a shuffle in the goalkeeping ranks, The Athletic reports that the club are interested in Brighton shot-stopper Jason Steele.

The 35-year-old has one-year remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium, and has been playing as the second-choice option to Bart Verbruggen.

The report claims that Steele is a candidate on a shortlist of potential options to play as a back-up goalkeeper for the coming season, having been outlined as a “good option” for the club moving forward.

During his time at Brighton, De Zerbi made use of the experienced star plenty, handing him 43 appearances across two separate campaigns.

In that time, the glovesman kept 11 clean sheets for the Italian head coach across all competitions, and was widely praised for his ability with the ball at his feet.

Given the fact that Tottenham are facing the possibility of losing Guglielmo Vicario this summer, a move for Steele would help reinforce the options in goal.

That would also provide a mentor for Antonin Kinsky, who could have a chance to stake a claim as the number-one choice between the sticks next season.

You scored

out of 20

What De Zerbi Has Said About Steele

Jason Steele

Steele has earned plenty of plaudits during his time at Brighton, which included some praise from his former manager, De Zerbi, back in late 2023.

“He’s very important on the pitch and off the pitch,” said De Zerbi on Steele’s influence.

“I think he deserved a new contract because he’s playing very well. Last season [he] was one of the secrets to reach the target and this season he is playing very well.

“We are playing well, Jason is playing well. I think he knows very well my idea. Verbruggen is not the same level but is very important for us now and the future. We are Brighton and we have to improve our young players. We have to be more focused in some situations.”


Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi celebrates win at Aston Villa


Tottenham Want ‘World-Class’ Real Madrid Star After Tonali and Fernandes Talks

Roberto De Zerbi wants a big-name midfielder

De Zerbi could now recreate that dynamic with the reunion for Steele, while the club tries to progress with Kinsky as the player for the future.

It remains to be seen whether a deal will get over the line, but it could prove to be a shrewd bit of business from Spurs.

Continue Reading

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