Netherlands defeated Senegal by 2-0 in the second game of group A in the FIFA World Cup 2022 at the Al Thumama Stadium.
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Senegal against the Netherlands was undoubtedly the match to look out for in group A in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Both the nations were tipped by many as the favourites to advance to the knockout stages from group A. It was a tough match to predict and so it turned out with the Netherlands winning thanks to goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klassen. The victory opens the account for the Dutch in the World Cup while Senegal will have to start again. Here are some key talking points from the game.
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It will be a moment of great joy and positivity in the Dutch camp right now. After a long fought game, they were able to score a couple of goals and keep a clean sheet in the process. However, Louis van Gaal will be well aware that his side have some areas to sort out. Netherlands have been regarded as one of the strongest teams in the tournament. However, some players looked well below their standards. Matthijs de Ligt came out second best in several duels, Frenkie De Jong had his troubles earlier and the forward line were way too predictable. They will need to sort these out to continue strongly in the tournament.
At the 19th minute of the game, the Netherlands had a golden chance to go in front but ultimately couldn’t. Frenkie de Jong found himself with the just keeper to the beat but he took too much time and the ball was lost. In the first half, de Jong made a couple of nervous passes at the back which could have costed his side. However, the Barcelona man redeemed himself in the grand manner with the assist for the first goal scored by Cody Gakpo. The midfielder lifted the ball delightfully over the Senegalese defence and was rewarded with the assist.
It will be a hard defeat to take in for Senegal. Already suffering from the loss of their star man, Sadio Mane, Senegal now find themselves level with Qatar in group A. However, they will have plenty of positives from the game to take forward. For much of the game, the African nation looked a serious threat on the counter attack. Their defense led by Kalidou Koulibaly was rock solid till the last 10 minutes of the game. The game against Ecuador will now be a crucial match for Senegal’s chances in group A.
