Doha ∙ In front of the fans who were expecting the first draw in the Qatar World Cup, Dutch Pata flew the victory flag with the double goal scored in the climax. The victory of the Netherlands is due to the double goals scored in the 84th minute and injury time of the match, which was confirmed as a draw. Cody Gakpo (84) and Davy Klassen (90+9) scored for the Dutch team. With this, Netherlands have three points along with Ecuador in Group A.
This is the first defeat for Senegal in the first match of the World Cup. Senegal had won the first matches of the two previous World Cups. In 2002, they beat France 1–0 and in 2018, they beat Poland by two goals to one. The Netherlands, on the other hand, went undefeated in the first match of the ninth World Cup.
In a match where both teams fought together, the golden chances wasted in front of the post were expected to backfire on the Netherlands. In the absence of superstar Sadio Mane, Senegal drew with the Netherlands. However, as the match approached the 80th minute, the changes Dutch coach Louis Van Gaal made to the team were crucial.
Frank de Jong and Cody Gakpo were the saviors of the Dutch team with only six minutes left in the match. Senegal goalkeeper Eduardo Mendy, who smelled danger, ran to the ball that was raised by De Jong from outside the box. However, before Mendy could touch the ball, Gakpo jumped up and headed the ball into the net. Goal…. Score 1–0.
With a one-sided goal all but guaranteed to win, the Netherlands pulled off another shock in the final minute of injury time. This time it was substitute Davy Klassen who found the target. Running into the box with the ball, Memphis Depay’s shot was knocked down by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Davy Klassen grabbed the rebound and shot into the empty net. Score 2–0.
The Netherlands had some golden opportunities in the first half as well. Barca star Frank de Jong and others wasted golden opportunities unbelievably. Senegal also had a few chances but couldn’t hit the target.
English Summary: Senegal vs Netherlands FIFA World Cup 2022 Live