FIFA World Cup 2022: Gakpo and Klaassen score as Netherlands beat Senegal 2-0 in the nervy Group A opener

By
Jehan Mucadum
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Netherlands 2-0 Senegal: Gakpo and Klaassen score late as Netherlands begin their WC campaign with a 2-0 nervy win over Senegal on Monday.

The score-line did not show justice to the good performance from Senegal but the late strikes ensured a victory for the Dutch on return after 8 years.

FIRST HALF

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The first half did not see much in terms of goalmouth action as they were few half-chances. Senegal was the better side with more depth and penetration, finding spaces despite the absence of Sadio Mané. Ismaila Sarr was Senegal’s most dangerous offensive player by creating 2 chances.

Netherlands had a massive chance to take the lead in the first half through De Jong, but he took far too many chances before being dispossessed.

SECOND HALF

In the second half, the Senegal side picked up the tempo and managed to get two crucial saves by Noppert.

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However, a goalkeeper error by Mendy led to the Dutch finding the opener through Gakpo. It was a blur of youthful Oranje as he headed home from De Jong’s peach of a ball to send Dutch fans into ecstasy.

Klaassen settled the game with his strike late in extra time to ensure a 2-0 win and three important points for them.

Mendy parried Depay’s strike into the path of Klaassen, who slotted into the empty net to ensure the win.


       

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