Senegal 0-2 Netherlands: Gakpo goal helps Dutch secure win
Cody Gakpo’s 84th minute header secured a 2-0 win for the Netherlands over Senegal at the Al Thumama Stadium. Davy Klaasen doubled the Dutch lead in the 99th minute of the game after Edouard Mendy palmed a weak shot directly into the path of the Dutch midfielder to ensure victory.
It was a game of little chances, with neither side having a shot on target in the first half. Ismaïla Sarr had the best chance of the first 45 minutes, striking his shot over the bar.
Virgil Van Dijk almost put the Netherlands in front early in the second half, with a powerful header that flew over the bar.
It was the 23-year-old Cody Gakpo who broke the deadlock for the Netherlands late into the game. The young forward met Frenkie De Jong’s inch-perfect cross and nodded past a stranded Mendy.
Senegal came close to equalising after Papa Gueye’s long-range strike was well saved by Andries Noppert at his near post.
But the Netherlands doubled their advantage in the last minute of the game, breaking on the counter attack. Memphis Depay’s tame effort was parried poorly by Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy, with the ball landing right at the feet of Klaasen who turned home from close range.
Star Senegal man Sadio Mané was ruled out of the tournament with a leg injury, prior to the game.
Group A kicked off yesterday with hosts Qatar losing 2-0 to Ecuador. Qatar became the first home nation to ever lose an opening World Cup game.
Senegal and Netherlands were touted as favourites to qualify when the draw was originally done. The Netherlands now sit top of group A, level with Ecuador. Senegal will have to turn their attention to two vital fixtures against Qatar and Ecuador.
