Netherlands get the better of the African Champions with a 2-0 win
Louis Van Gaal's Netherlands got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start with late goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen in a 2-0 win over Senegal, the reigning African champions.
The first half saw only half-chances for both the teams with Frenkie De Jong coming the closest to testing the Senegalese No.1, Edouard Mendy. However, Ismaila Sarr was a constant threat for the Lions of Teranga down the left hand side, constantly getting the better of Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutch goalkeeper, Andries Noppert, who stands at 203cm, was called into action in the second half, making three crucial saves from Boulaye Dia, Idrissa Gueye and Papa Gueye. But the deadlock was finally broken by PSV Eindhoven's Cody Gakpo in the 84th minute when he headed a sumptuous cross from De Jong. Then, deep into stoppage time, Ajax's Davy Klaassen put the game beyond doubt after he netted off the rebound of Mendy's initial save.
Netherlands will be relieved to get the three points in their first game as they face Ecuador next on Friday, 25th November. Senegal, on the other hand, will look to bounce back from this defeat in their next match against the hosts, Qatar, on the same day.