The Netherlands started their FIFA World Cup 2022 campaign with a clean sheet and three points, beating African side Senegal 2-0 thanks to two late goals at Al Thumama Stadium on Monday.
After this match, the Netherlands and Ecuador have three points each from a win in one match in Group A.
The Netherlands scored the match's first goal in the 84th minute when Frenkie de Jong pushed a cross out for Cody Gakpo to head the ball into the net. The Senegal goalkeeper came forward to punch the ball, but he failed.
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Senegal seemed to be in a rush after conceding the first goal. But they could not find a way to level the match. They instead suffered another blow in the 98th minute when Edouard Mendy, the Senegal goalkeeper, parried a weak shot from Memphis Depay, but Davy Klaassen was on hand to turn in the rebound. It was poor goalkeeping from the Chelsea man.
Earlier, the first half of the match ended scoreless, and though both teams created a few chances, they were unsuccessful in their attempts.
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In the first five minutes of the match, the Netherlands went close with Gakpo but were blocked by Senegal. The Netherlands showed some of their intricate build-up play right from the beginning.
In the absence of Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr took the spotlight for Senegal. He looked sharp, and in the first 10 minutes of the match, he went ahead with a quick turn and fired a shot that flew over the bar.
Ahead of this World Cup clash, the Netherlands and Senegal registered a string of good performances.
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Earlier this year, the Teranga Lions won their maiden Africa Cup of Nations. At the same time, the Netherlands topped the Nations League group with two wins against Belgium.
The Netherlands showed their perseverance after finding the net twice late in the match against Senegal. The Dutch side should be considered one of the top favourites to win the FIFA World Cup 2022 trophy.