Netherlands start World Cup with 2-0 win over Senegal
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Cody Gakpo and Davy Klassen score late as the Netherlands sealed a clinical win over Senegal on Monday.
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Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the World Cup, group A soccer match between Senegal and Netherlands at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022 (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
After an absence of eight years, three-time World Cup finalists Netherlands returned to the biggest international stage, beating Senegal 2-0 on Monday in their Group A match with late goals from Cody Gakpo and substitute Davy Klaassen.
The Dutch, who were unsuccessful in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, have overseen 16 games without defeat since coach Louis van Gaal has been in charge for a third time, which made him the most successful Dutch coach with 38 wins, surpassing Dick Advocaat.
Netherlands picks up a win to begin their #FIFAWorldCup campaign 🇳🇱
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022
Recap all the action in our 90' in 90" ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/zCUaPyrEMs
They also stretched an unbeaten record in their opening game at World Cups that dates back to 1938.
Yet they looked to be heading for a scrappy goalless draw after missing many chances before player-of-the-match Cody Gakpo beat goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to nod in Frenkie de Jong's cross with the back of his head.
Klaassen then pounced on a weak Mendy save to score on the rebound nine minutes into injury time.
The Dutch join Ecuador, 2-0 winners over hosts Qatar on Sunday, on three points, with the top two meeting on Friday.
“It was a difficult game and we were not careful with the ball,” said Gakpo. “I think we can do a lot better but the victory obviously gives us a good feeling.”
“We were clearly in search of a goal and eventually we got it,” he said.
