Netherlands 2-0 Qatar: The Dutch secure top spot in Group A over already eliminated Qatar
The Netherlands secured top spot in Group A and coasted to a 2-0 win over already eliminated Qatar on Tuesday at the Al Bayt Stadium.
The Dutch laboured in attack but it was their main man of the tournament who ignited the tie, with a stunning low drive from just outside the box. Qatar offered very little throughout the game and looked like a team who had nothing to play for.
Frenkie De Jong then extended the Dutch’s lead minutes into the second-half when he tapped home following some usual sloppy defending from Qatar. Netherlands have secured top spot and will now prepare for the round of 16.
Louis van Gaal made just two changes from the Netherlands side that drew 1-1 with Ecuador on Friday. Teun Koopmeiners and Steven Bergwijn drop to the bench, with Marten De Roon and Memphis Depay starting in their places.
Qatar, meanwhile, made just one change from the side dispatched 3-1 by Senegal. Karim Boudiaf dropped to the bench with Abdulaziz Hatem starting instead.
Qatar registered the first shot of the game three minutes in when Hassan Al-Haydos picked up a loose pass from De Roon and fired a tame shot at Andries Noppert.
The Netherlands then capitalised on Qatar’s defensive deficiencies and forced a scramble in the box that was almost turned home by Daley Blind.
The Dutch had several early ventures into Qatar’s box but lacked that clinical edge they have been missing all tournament. This was evident in their poor performance against Ecuador, where they registered just 2 shots all game.
After 30 minutes dragged on, the tie was finally ignited, and it was no surprise who was the instigator. Cody Gakpo drove at the heart of the Qatari defence and drilled a venomous low shot into the corner to grab his third goal of the competition. The young prodigy is now joint top goal scorer with Kylian Mbappé and Enner Valencia.
The expectation was that the Dutch would dominate proceedings following the goal. However, they lacked cohesion in midfield and operated passively in possession. Whoever qualifies second from Group B will certainly fancy their chances against an unconvincing Dutch side.
Depay had a half-chance just before half-time but scuffed his shot well wide. The first half drew to a close and Gakpo’s goal was the only saving grace in what was an otherwise mundane half of football.
Louis van Gaal certainly would have demanded more from his side in an attacking perspective during the interval. This was illuminated minutes into the second-half as the Dutch extended their lead.
Davy Klaassen’s cross was inadvertently headed into the path of Depay, whose volley was brilliantly saved by Meshaal Barsham. Unfortunately for him, Frenkie De Jong was lively amid a static Qatar defence and smashed home the easiest of finishes to give the Dutch clear daylight.
Qatar offered virtually nothing in an attacking sense and the Dutch had complete control of the tie. The long-range efforts Qatar produced in the first half was seemingly all they had to offer.
The Dutch thought they had a third when they took advantage of more dismal Qatari defending.
They practically walked the ball into the net with the substitutes combining. Vincent Janssen squared for Steven Berghuis to tap home, with the Qatari defence absent from their duties.
However, the goal was ruled out as Gakpo handled the ball in the buildup, even though he was not directly involved in the move.
With 15 minutes to go, the Netherlands were playing the game at walking pace but were still in search of more goals as their top spot was all but secured.
Credit to Qatar, they were still having a go and ten minutes from time they produced their best attacking display of the match.
Abdulaziz Hatem played a lovely through ball for substitute Mohammed Muntari who got in behind the Dutch backline. He delivered a fierce cross from the byline, but Noppert did well to divert it away from the danger area.
Berghuis nearly made the scoreline more convincing for the Dutch when he curled a stunning effort off the crossbar. It was not the best performance from Van Gaal’s men, but top spot was always the priority for him and his side.
The Netherlands will now prepare for the round of 16 where they will face either USA, Iran or Wales, who are still vying for second spot in Group B.
As for Qatar, their football team is evidently as appalling as their nation’s organisers, who have stained this tournament. Some football fans may take a sliver of justice from the fact that the infamous host nation have delivered poor performances from the outset.
