Netherlands Leave It Late To Down Senegal And Take Charge Of Group A

Netherlands took charge of Group A in the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup after two late goals gave them a crucial victory over a stubborn Senegal on Monday.

The Lions of Teranga, who were dealt a huge blow with an injury to star player Sadio Mane, pulled their weight and did well to hold off the Dutch throughout the game.

PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo beat Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to the ball when it was chipped in by Frenkie de Jong to open the scoring in the 84th minute.

Senegal came close to equalising before that when Papa Gueye fired a finish towards the bottom left corner, but Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert got his fingertips to it.

Substitute Davy Klaassen then pounced on a rebound from Memphis Depay's shot to add a second deep into stoppage-time to confirm the win and 3 points for Louis Van Gaal's side.

Netherlands, who were making a return to the World Cup after an 8-year hiatus, are atop Group A with 3 points, level with Ecuador who beat hosts Qatar in the opening game.

Van Gaal gambled late on to bring on Barcelona forward Memphis Depay who was not fully fit and it paid off as his shot was parried by Edouard Mendy, allowing Klaasen to seal the 3 points.

Aliou Cisse's side will face hosts Qatar in their next match on Friday in a must-win game if they are to keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the knockout stages.

The Dutch will battle it out against Ecuador, with a win guaranteeing them a place in the next round as they continue their quest for a first-ever World Cup title.

Senegalese fans brought colour, dance and unwavering drum-banging, often silencing the Oranje masses, and will need to keep that up to encourage their players after the opening defeat.