:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71673159/1444486879.0.jpg "World Cup standings: Knockout round qualification, tiebreaker scenarios for Group A")
The second matches of group stage play are starting Friday and this means we're starting to get more clarity on which teams will be in the knockout round. Here's a look at the knockout round qualification scenarios for the teams in Group A.
Group A
Qualified: None
Netherlands are in position to be the first team to advance to the knockout round in 2022. The Dutch hold a 1-0 lead over Ecuador at halftime and can secure their spot with a win.
Ecuador and Senegal face each other in the final match of Group A. This is likely a “win or go home” scenario for both teams, assuming Ecuador are unable to come back against Netherlands. If Ecuador-Senegal were to end in a draw, it will come down to goal differential for the group.
Qatar are not officially eliminated yet from contention with two losses in the first two matches but the outlook is bleak. They would need Ecuador to beat Netherlands and Senegal, while also needing to beat Netherlands by a massive amount of goals to make up the goal differential.