While it appeared to be progressing to a goalless draw at first, the Netherlands managed to net in two back-to-back strikes in the final minutes of their clash against Senegal to pick up three points in their FIFA World Cup 2022 Group A opening game.
Both teams had their starting lineups sans their respective goal machines- Memphis Depay for the Dutch and Sadio Mane for Senegal, and their absences were felt heavily in the actionless first half.
However, it was until the 84th minute when the Orange Brigade was able to open up the scoring, with Cody Gakpo heading a beautiful volley from Frenkie de Jong.
Within two minutes, Pape Gueye attempted a superb equalizing attempt but was nullified by a brilliant save from Netherlands keeper Andries Noppert.
Going into the final injury minutes, the subbed in Depay rocketed a left foot drill into the hands of the Senegalese keeper Edouard Mendy, and the deflected ball ended up in front of Davy Klaassen, who found the back of the net effortlessly to double the lead.
Final Score: Senegal 0 – 2 Netherlands
Goals:
NED — Cody Gakpo — 84th minute
NED — Davy Klaassen — 90th minute + 9
