The Oranjee defeated Senegal 2-0 courtesy of two late goals from Coady Gakpo and Davy Klassen in the second match of Group A.
It was a quite and pedestrian game, that was sparked into life on the 84 minute. PSV forward Coady Gakpo was the only creative influence in the second half for the Netherlands, as he created an outlet on the right wing.
It was Frenkie De Jong, who was the heartbeat to Louis Van Gaal’s side, he placed a cross straight onto the head of Gakpo, who had sprinted in behind a dormant Senegal defence.
Shortly afterwards, the Netherlands doubled their lead in additional time through Davy Klassen in the 98 minute. It was talisman Memphis Depay who initiated the chance, as he escaped in behind and cut back onto his right foot to release a tame effort towards Edouard Mendy.
However, the Chelsea goalkeeper spilled the low driven strike, straight to Ajax midfielder Klassen, who drilled the ball into the net to give the Netherlands three points in their first match.
Senegal deserved something from the game but lacked a clinical finisher in the absence of star player Sadio Mane, who was forced to withdraw from their squad on Friday through injury.
Ismailia Sarr was their brightest and most threatening attacker, he gave Matthijs De Ligt a torrid evening with his pace and skill and he created the most chances in the game with four.
The reigning Africa Cup of Nation winners seemed to lack conviction and courage in the second half to pressurise a vulnerable and ponderous Netherlands side. Their biggest chance, came in the 64 minute when Boulaye Dia turned Virgil Van Dijk and hit a powerful drive, which was palmed out for a corner by goalkeeper Noppert.
The most serious concern for Aliou Cisse, was the injury to leader Cheikhou Kouyate. The Nottingham Forest defender had to be stretched off in the 71 minute with what looked like the end of his tournament.
The game lacked creativity and conviction in front of goal, the Netherlands had just nine chances forcing a save from Mendy once, while Noppert made four saves from the 13 chances Senegal created.
Overall, the Netherlands managed to find a way, in an uninspiring performance and Van Gaal will expect much improvement for their game against Ecuador on Friday. Meanwhile, Senegal must rally themselves, and take positives out of keeping the Oranjee quiet, they play hosts Qatar next.
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