The Netherlands had to shiver for 84 minutes at the World Cup opener against Senegal. Cody Gakpo then redeemed his team with a header after a brilliant cross from Frenkie de Jong. Before that, the Elftal did not really shine with efficiency. She had three big chances, all of which she missed miserably
First they failed when they tried to get the ball into the goal. De Jong then missed a big chance because he tried to dribble out two more opponents. And just after the break, Virgil van Dijk headed the ball wide after a corner kick.
Otherwise, the Dutch had a hard time playing really dangerous matches against a well-organized Senegalese. On the contrary: the longer the match lasted, the more dangerous Senegal became. Two good saves by World Cup debutant Andries Noppert ensured that his team did not fall behind.
And that ultimately made the difference. A mistake by Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy – hardly checked until now – brought the decision in favor of the Netherlands. The Chelsea goalie misjudged a cross from De Jong and sailed the 1-0 next to Gapko. Even at 2-0, Mendy didn’t seem too happy with his defense up front.
Fortunately, Louis van Gaal’s team prevented a point loss. And Senegal will be deprived of the success of the game by their best remaining players on paper, of all people. The Africans now need success against hosts Qatar and Ecuador to push through. And against South American teams, Senegal has always struggled in the past.
Senegal 0-2 Netherlands (0-0)
Al Thumama Stadium, Doha. – 40,000 spectators. -SR Sampaio (BRA).
Ports: 84. Gakpo 0-1. 99. Classes 0:2.
Senegal: Edward Mendy; Sabaly, Koulibaly, Cisse, Diallo (62nd Jacobs); Nampalys Mendy, Idrissa Gueye, Cheikhou Kouyate (74th Pape Gueye); Diatta (Jackson 74), Dia (Bamba Dieng 69), Ismaila Sarr.
The Netherlands: Noppert; Dumfries, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Ake, Blind; Berghuis (79th Koopmeiners), Frenkie De Jong, Gakpo (94th De Roon); Janssen (62nd Depay), Bergwijn (79th Klaassen).
Comments: Senegal without Ballo-Touré (injured). Netherlands complete.
Warnings: 56. De Ligt, 94. Nampalys Mendy, 96. Idrissa Gueye.