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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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Man Utd Want ‘Impressive’ USA Star

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The midfield market this summer is booming, and Manchester United are in the thick of it, as the club looks to improve their central ranks for next season.

A deal has already been agreed to sign Ederson, who will be the first key addition to the centre of the park, while moves are being lined up for other options.

While Elliot Anderson is likely to snub the Red Devils in favour of rivals Manchester City, there is interest in Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali that is being stepped up in the coming weeks.

Those deals could prove costly, however, so Man United have another possible transfer target in mind for the window.

Man United Eye Tyler Adams Deal

Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams playing for the USMNT

A fresh target on the radar for Man United appears to be USMNT and Bournemouth star Tyler Adams, as Caught Offside claims the club are eyeing a potential deal for the midfielder.

The Red Devils are joined by Premier League rivals Chelsea in the hunt for the ‘incredible’ 27-year-old, who has impressed for both his club and country in the past year.

Adams, who featured 26 times for Bournemouth last season, has a contract at the Vitality Stadium until 2028, meaning he enters the final two years of his deal and could prompt an exit.

It’s claimed the Cherries aren’t actively looking to complete a sale for the midfield general, but an offer could tempt them into considering a move.

An offer around the £30 million could prompt discussions, but it’s unclear whether Man United will formalise their interest and push for a transfer this summer.

Any deal could come after the World Cup this summer, where Adams has played every minute for the USMNT during their home tournament.

Both displays were impressive, picking up wins over Paraguay and Australia, with his performances potentially having an impact on the summer transfer window.

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Tyler Adams Would Be A Smart Signing

Tyler Adams

While some of the big names on the market are set to move for huge transfer fees this summer, Man United could land a smart signing in the form of Adams.

The 27-year-old has become a Premier League regular, with plenty of quality off-the-ball that helps add some intensity to the central midfield.

This is reflective of his World Cup stats so far, playing a ball-winning role for the USMNT that has led to fans describing him as “impressive”.


Michael Carrick


Man Utd Eyeing Move to Sign ‘Crucial’ Sunderland Star

Man Utd are in the market for a new forward.

There may be some hope that Adams can keep pushing on to become a leading midfielder in the Premier League, though there are naturally some concerns surrounding his injury record.

That may all have to wait until after the World Cup, as USA have progressed to the round of 32, and could make quite a dent into the tournament this summer.

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Tottenham Plot Shock Move to Sign Rashford

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Tottenham Hotspur are shocking everyone with their business and ambition in the summer transfer window, as they line up another big-name signing.

Tottenham have already completed a trio of deals for manager Roberto De Zerbi after registering successive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League, with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi arriving on free transfers to boost a leaky backline, and Jan Paul van Hecke joining to do the same in a deal worth £52m.

De Zerbi may well be happy with his defence now, especially after Pedro Porro signed a new long-term deal and with Micky van de Ven currently set to stay, although it remains to be seen what happens over the futures of Cristian Romero and Luka Vuskovic, who have both been linked with summer exits.

Attentions have turned to strengthening the midfield and attack now, with Spurs holding talks over deals to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, and West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes.

De Zerbi is said to want both players to boost his central midfield next season, in what would be a huge double swoop given the duo are said to be rated at least £185m combined by their respective clubs.

Spurs are also looking to strengthen right across the frontline too, including on the wings.

De Zerbi Pushing Tottenham to Sign Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford in action for England Marty Jean-Louis/Sipa USA via Reuters Connect

According to the i Paper, Tottenham are now plotting a shock move to sign Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford this summer.

The free-spending Spurs are described as being determined to complete their summer business early, as they look to hit the ground quickly in pre-season and next campaign under De Zerbi.

The Italian is said to be a big fan of Rashford, and he is pushing the Tottenham hierarchy to agree some form of deal to bring the England international to London.

The north London outfit are said to be unwilling to meet the attacker’s £40m release clause, they are exploring a lower offer for the ‘world-class’ 28-year-old.

One issue for Tottenham is that Rashford would currently prefer to join another club abroad following his loan spell with Barcelona, or return to Old Trafford to fight for his place.

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Lee Dixon Slammed For Exaggerating Cristiano Ronaldo Goal

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Those tuning into ITV’s coverage of Portugal’s 5-0 World Cup victory over Uzbekistan on Tuesday evening have called for one commentator to be taken off-air over “nauseating” comments about Cristiano Ronaldo. Last week, the 41-year-old extended an unwanted run by making it 10 consecutive major international tournament appearances without finding the net.

That sparked fresh debate over whether Portugal might be better off without him, particularly given Roberto Martinez’s side are among the favourites to go all the way this summer. Others suggested the Al-Nassr forward was past his sell-by date, but Ronaldo silenced those critics in emphatic fashion this week, producing two goals and an assist to remind everyone of his enduring quality.

After so much attention had been focussed on Lionel Messi following his flying start to Argentina’s title defence – with the Argentine leading the Golden Boot race after helping the reigning champions hit the ground running with five goals from two matches – it was finally Ronaldo’s turn to steal some of the spotlight and give his fans something to shout about.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) Troy Taormina (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

During ITV’s commentary, Lee Dixon appeared to let his admiration get the better of him. Several of his remarks about the Portuguese star have since sparked backlash from viewers, with some accusing the former Arsenal defender of going overboard in his praise.

His first comment was about Ronaldo’s opening goal – where he said everyone in football would have been pleased by the moment – while the second goal produced the overexaggerated suggestion that it could go down as ‘one of the best of the tournament’. Reacting to those remarks, one X user questioned:

“Has Lee Dixon been paid by [Cristiano] Ronaldo’s PR team? The love is nauseating.”

Another added: “This Ronaldo loving from Lee Dixon is bordering on Piers Morgan levels,” as a third wrote: “Dear @ITVSport, everyone that loves football, can you please stop inflicting Lee Dixon on us. Got to be the most awful co-commentator out there. Kind regards, The British Viewing Public.”

Elsewhere, Paddy Power aimed fire by posting: “‘Everyone who loves football will be pleased he scored that!’ Lee Dixon, I can assure you that you’re sorely mistaken,” while another user concluded: “I thought seeing Ronaldo scoring a brace would be the worst thing about this game but it’s actually Lee Dixon.”

More to follow…

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