World Cup host Qatar hopes to have a more positive performance and result when facing Senegal on Friday in their second round match of the group stage. Qatar was defeated by Ecuador 2-0 in the opening match of the tournament after Ecuador’s Enner Valencia scored a brace. Qatar’s opponent on Friday will be similar to Ecuador in style.

Qatar must take all three points against Senegal on Friday if they hope to get out of Group A as they will face the Netherlands in the third and final match. The heat that Qatar’s opponents must face will be an advantage to the Middle East side as they are used to playing in such weather and could be a big plus when facing Senegal as this will be the second match for the African side in the last four days.

Senegal was defeated by the Netherlands 2-0 in their opening match of Group A on Monday. Senegal was not able to pressure the much taller back line of the Netherlands and really never threatened. Senegal’s Abdou Diallo and Cheikhou Kouyate were lost to injuries in their first match against the Netherlands and both will be doubts going into Friday’s match.

Senegal is obviously missing Sadio Mane, who was ruled out of this tournament because of an injury just four days prior to playing against the Netherlands. However, Senegal will have the advantage as far as speed and will use that to their advantage when advancing up the pitch and attempt to make as many crosses into the box as possible while looking for any loose ball and deflections in the box to put past the Qatar goalkeeper.