Iraq must be proud of World Cup journey, says Arnold

Graham Arnold insists Iraq must look back at their World Cup campaign with pride, despite losing all of their matches.

Iraq exited the tournament without a point to their name as they slumped to a thumping 5-0 defeat to Senegal at Toronto Stadium.

Senegal became the first African team to net five goals in a World Cup match as they capitalised on Rebin Sulaka's early red card.

Habib Diarra had already put Senegal ahead by the time Sulaka saw red in the 13th minute. 

Senegal failed to make their numerical advantage count for the rest of the first half, but Ismaila Sarr's 56th-minute goal opened the floodgates, with Pape Gueye scoring two stunners before fellow substitute Iliman Ndiaye rounded off the rout with a sensational finish.

Iraq became only the second team to receive a red card and concede a goal in the opening 15 minutes of a World Cup game and have now lost all six of their matches at the finals, the joint-most games played of any nation with a 100% loss rate in the competition.

Arnold, though, said: "Everyone in Iraq should be proud of the fact that we made it here and we performed very well in two out of the three games.

"The reality is, your national team is as strong as your local league. If your local league is not that strong, when you play against these type of opponents, you get punished.

"These boys, they've only ever seen these kinds of players play on TV. They've never played against this calibre of players before. Everything about it, it was a surprise to them.

"My job when I first came in was to qualify them for the World Cup. The miracle happened.

"It's been an enjoyable journey, an enjoyable World Cup, even if the results haven't been that great. But hopefully, the players will go away from this, enjoying the experience of being at a World Cup for the first time in 40 years, but also learning from mistakes."

Senegal recorded the biggest ever victory at the World Cup by an African nation and their biggest win in a major tournament.

Coach Pape Thiaw, however, sees scope for improvement.

"Even though we scored five goals, there are still improvements to be made," he told reporters.

Senegal could face England in the next round, but they will have to wait until Saturday's fixtures are done and dusted to be sure of their opponents.