W’Cup 2022: Netherland’s Two Late Goals Cage Teranga Lions Of Senegal

The Netherlands defeated Senegal in Group A’s World Cup opening thanks to two late goals from the Dutch players.

Frenkie de Jong chipped the ball into the box, and PSV Eindhoven striker Cody Gakpo sprinted to the ball before Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, to give the Dutch the lead with six minutes left.

After Memphis Depay’s strike rebounded, substitute Davy Klaassen pounced to score a second in stoppage time to seal the victory.

The Dutch supporters at the opposite end of the Al Thumama Stadium leaped to their feet as Gakpo spun away in jubilation in front of the Senegal fans behind the goal.

Before Klaassen scored in the final minute of injury time, the fans were already screaming the name of the Dutch side knowing that victory was certain.

Before then, Senegal, who had made threats throughout the game, almost tied it when Papa Gueye blasted a shot into the bottom left corner, but Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert stopped it with his fingers.

Long stretches of the game hinted at a goal, but neither side could make it happen.

The Dutch manager, Louis van Gaal,  gambled with Depay by substituting him in the second half of the game.

However, the gamble paid off as the Netherlands earned three crucial points in a match that many observers predict will determine Group A’s champion.

They are currently tied for first place in the group alongside Ecuador, who defeated Qatar’s hosts 2-0 on Sunday night.