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Netherlands vs Senegal: The Netherlands won their World Cup opener against Senegal in Group A with two late goals.
Netherlands vs Senegal: Match Results
PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo beat Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to the ball, which was chipped in by Frenkie de Jong to put the Dutch ahead with six minutes remaining.
Davy Klaassen then pounced on a rebound from Memphis Depay‘s shot to add a second deep into stoppage time to seal the victory.
Gakpo whirled away in celebration in front of the Senegal fans behind the goal as the Dutch fans, united in a sea of orange at the other end of the Al Thumama Stadium, rose to their feet.
They were already chanting their team’s name, knowing victory was close, before Klaassen sealed it in the ninth and final minute of injury time.
Senegal had threatened throughout the game, and Papa Gueye had blasted a finish into the bottom left corner, but Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert got his fingertips to it.
For long stretches, the game hinted at a goal, but neither side was merciless. Dutch manager Louis van Gaal even jeopardized Depay’s fitness by bringing him in as a second-half substitute in the aim of finding a way through.
The risk paid off as the Netherlands earned a crucial three points in a game that many believe will determine the Group A champion.
They are currently equal for first place in the group with Ecuador, who defeated hosts Qatar 2-0 on Sunday evening.
Senegal looked like a side without their main attacking threat during the campaign, but the number of times they troubled the Dutch defense should give them confidence.
