Qatar makes earliest exit for a host

World Cup host Qatar was eliminated Friday, after just six days and two matches.

Qatar can’t finish in the top two of its group after losing 2-0 to Ecuador in the opener and 3-1 to Senegal on Friday.

It was the earliest exit by a host nation in the World Cup’s 92-year history. Qatar’s fate was sealed after the Netherlands and Ecuador drew 1-1 in the other Group A match.

Senegal got its campaign back on track after losing 2-0 to the Netherlands in its opener.

Against Qatar, Senegal striker Boulaye Dia drilled in the first goal after defender Boualem Khoukhi tried to make a clearance under no

pressure, didn’t connect properly and landed on his backside. The ball dribbled away from Khoukhi. Dia, grateful for the gift, lashed it in.

Famara Diedhiou made it 2-0 at the start of the second half with a header from a corner while two Qatar defenders failed to stop him.

Qatar was denied a penalty and a shot at the lead before Dia’s goal, when Akram Afif was knocked over by a charging Ismaila Sarr. Referee Antonio Mateu of Spain didn’t award a penalty even though replays suggested contact was made.

Qatar did at least score a goal. Substitute Mohammed Muntari’s header beat Edouard Mendy after the Chelsea goalkeeper had pulled off two world-class saves to deny Qatar, which rallied in the second half.

But Qatar’s hopes of a comeback lasted six minutes, until Senegal substitute Bamba Dieng re-established the two-goal advantage.

Qatar had already made unwanted history as the first host to lose the opening game of the tournament. South Africa, the only other host to be knocked out in the group stage, went out with a win and a draw.

Qatar spent around $220 billion (U.S.) on the first World Cup in the Middle East, according to estimates, but found that great wealth can’t buy a world-class soccer team.