The second World Cup 2022 game in Group A sees African champions Senegal face off against Netherlands in a clash that could determine the eventual fate of the group. Both sides are tipped to make it into the knockouts, ahead of Ecuador and hosts Qatar, so today’s encounter may decide who finishes top.
Netherlands are fancied by some to go the distance at the which would cap a remarkable turnaround for the Oranje after they failed to even qualify four years ago with coach Louis van Gaal hoping for his side to dominate the group to put themselves into a good position to start the knockout rounds.
Prior to their absence at Russia 2018 they had reached the semi-finals and finals in the previous two World Cups, so there is an expectation and optimism in the country that they can return to prominence this time around.
Menawhile, Senegal come into the World Cup on the back of gut-punching news that Sadio Mane is out injured and will miss the tournament. He was a vital part of their qualifying campaign and scored the goals to both win them the Afcon and qualify for Qatar. The Lions of Teranga will now have to rely on Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly who will play pivotal roles if the African nation are to reach the last 16.
Relive all the action from Qatar with our live blog below:
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Senegal 0-1 Netherlands
“It took 85 minutes but the Netherlands are finally alive at this World Cup. It took Cody Gakpo, with their very first shot on target of an even contest, to break a deadlock that didn’t look like being broken and give the Dutch the start they so wanted here in Doha.
“Louis van Gaal’s side, back on this stage for the first time since 2014, have high hopes of a deep run after a strong qualifying campaign and they’re on the board after a hard-won 2-0 victory over Senegal to tie Ecuador at the top of the fledgling Group A.”
Here’s Ben Burrows with the match report from Qatar:
Netherlands leave it late to start World Cup as they mean to go on
Senegal 0-2 Netherlands: Late goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen were enough for the Dutch to earn all three points
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 18:12
Senegal 0-1 Netherlands
Next up, by the way, is USA vs Wales in Group B, in which England thrashed Iran 6-2 earlier.
Here are the confirmed line-ups for the late game today:
USA XI: Turner, Dest, Zimmerman, Adams, Robinson, Musah, McKennie, Pulisic, Ream, Weah, Sargent.
Wales XI: Hennessey, Mepham, Rodon, B Davies, Roberts, Ampadu, Ramsey, Wilson, N Williams, James, Bale.
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 18:05
Senegal 0-1 Netherlands
Full-time: Netherlands beat Senegal!
It finishes 2-0 to the Dutch, who join Ecuador on three points, while Senegal are level with Qatar on zero.
Gakpo and Klaassen with late goals to ensure that Van Gaal’s team get off to a winning start in Qatar.
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 18:03
GOAL! Senegal 0-2 Netherlands (Klaassen, 90+8)
90+8 mins: ANOTHER GOAL FOR NETHERLANDS!
A flick-on header reaches Depay, who runs through on goal. He cuts onto his left foot, but his low shot is tame…
But so is Mendy’s save! He palms it to the onrushing Klaassen, who drills a first-time shot into the back of the net!
Game over.
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 18:00
Senegal 0-1 Netherlands
90+7 mins: Decent work from Netherlands, who win a couple of free kicks in quick succession to kill some time.
And another, as Idrissa Gueye is booked for a forearm into Klaassen’s face as the pair jump for an aerial ball.
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 17:56
Senegal 0-1 Netherlands
90+5 mins: Marten de Roon replaces goalscorer Gakpo for Netherlands.
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 17:54
Senegal 0-1 Netherlands
90+3 mins: Sabaly curls a cross in from the right, and Dieng rises to meet it…
But he sends the ball upwards and over Netherlands’ crossbar. Another poor header today.
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 17:54
Senegal 0-1 Netherlands
90+1 mins: Jakobs shoots from range and his shot sails well over the crossbar.
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 17:51
Senegal 0-1 Netherlands
90 mins: Eight minutes of added time!
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 17:51
Senegal 0-1 Netherlands
90 mins: Netherlands have a free kick inside their own half after a foul on De Jong.
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