Photo courtesy of Kai Pfaffenbach | Reuters
With injuries plaguing both the Dutch and Senegalese sides entering the World Cup, the opening match for the nations was sure to be a slow one and that’s how it played out for a majority of the match.
However, it was the Netherlands finding the breakthrough in the final minutes to secure three points and take the advantage to kickoff their World-Cup title campaign.
Possession remained balance between the squads as Senegal and Netherlands exchanged chances throughout the match but it was the former getting the better of the looks at the net as the Dutch struggled with communication early on. But goals will make up for any early frustrations for a squad as Frenkie de Jong fed a beautiful ball to Cody Gakpo in the 84th minute to put the Dutch on top.
What a finish by Cody Gakpo 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/QjFJRc5PY3
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
The match capper came in extra time as Davy Klaassen knocked in a second goal for the Netherlands from point-blank range after Sengalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy couldn’t control a shot from Memphis Depay.
TWO FOR THE NETHERLANDS 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/pXTA8RWErr
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
Netherlands joins Ecuador with opening group stage wins and a two-goal differential. The lead sides will faceoff on Fri, Nov. 25 at 11 AM ET on FOX while both Senegal and Qatar will battle for their first points at 8 AM (Fox Sports 1) on the same day.
