Netherlands Defeated 2-0 by Senegal Without Man?

Hakpo's Heading Winning Goal, Klasson's Decisive Goal
World Cup Group Stage Unbeaten in Fourteen Consecutive Matches

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The "Orange Army," the Netherlands, marked their return to the World Cup after 8 years with a victory. On the 22nd (Korean time) at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar, they defeated Senegal 2-0 in the opening match of Group A in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar group stage. Although they struggled to find a clear solution until the middle of the second half, they seized the momentum with Cody Gakpo's header goal in the 40th minute of the second half. An additional goal by Davy Klaassen during stoppage time further lit the green light for advancing to the round of 16.

The result came more from height and counterattacks than from controlling the game. The Netherlands struggled in midfield against Senegal's individual skills. They occasionally created chances but faced strong pressure, causing inaccurate passes. Even when they managed to take shots, they often missed the goal. Senegal experienced a similarly frustrating flow. They executed their prepared tactics well but repeatedly suffered from a lack of finishing. In the 20th minute of the second half, Diouf and Idrissa Gueye's powerful shots eight minutes later were both stopped by opposing goalkeeper Andries Noppert. These moments underscored the absence of star player Sadio Man?, who was sidelined due to a shin injury.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Netherlands sought a turnaround by bringing on Memphis Depay, who was not fully fit, in the 17th minute of the second half. Rather than regaining control, they looked for opportunities through counterattacks. Coach Louis van Gaal's strategy did not work as intended. However, they finally tasted a goal through an attack utilizing height. In the 39th minute of the second half, Frenkie de Jong delivered a cross from the left flank, which Gakpo converted into the winning header goal. Senegal, desperate, launched an all-out offensive but failed to create significant chances. Instead, they conceded another goal on the counterattack to Klaassen.

With this victory, the Netherlands extended their unbeaten streak in World Cup group stage matches to fourteen games (12 wins, 2 draws). Considering only the first match of each World Cup, they have remained unbeaten for nine consecutive games (7 wins, 2 draws) since losing to Czechoslovakia in the 1938 France tournament. Alongside Ecuador, who defeated host nation Qatar 2-0 the previous day, they both recorded 3 points. Meanwhile, Senegal now finds themselves in a position where they must vigorously chase points alongside Qatar.