The Netherlands defeated Senegal in their opening Group A match of the 2022 World Cup thanks to late goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen.
Gakpo made a perfectly timed run to head home Frenkie de Jong’s beautifully weighted cross before Klaassen tapped home to seal the win deep into injury time.
De Jong had a chance to put the Dutch ahead in the first half but was crowded out before Ismaila Sarr had a long-range shot deflected away from goal by Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk should have put the Netherlands ahead with a free header from a second-half corner, but he couldn’t keep his effort down.
Boulaye Dia then forced an excellent save from debutant Andries Noppert, who dived low to tip a rasping shot past his near post.
But just as it appeared that both teams would have to settle for a share of the spoils, Gakpo beat the offside trap in the 84th minute and put the Netherlands ahead.
Also read: Saka scores twice as England thrash Iran in the 2022 World cup opener
After Edouard Mendy spilled a Memphis Depay shot, Klaassen converted from close range in the ninth minute of stoppage time to give the Netherlands all three points against the African champions at the Al Thumama Stadium.
Follow Clicks ‘n Likes On Facebook for more updates
