Goals at the end give the Dutch victory over Senegal

Two late goals for the Netherlands sealed a crucial victory in their first World Cup against Senegal in Group A.

Substitute Davy Klaassen then pounced on a rebound from Memphis Depay’s shot to add a second in injury time to seal the deal.

Gakpo turned to celebrate in front of the Senegal fans behind the goal as the Dutch, together in a sea of ​​orange at the other end of the Al Thumama Stadium, rose.

They were already chanting their team’s name as they knew victory was close before Klaassen made sure in the ninth and final minute of the stoppage time.

Senegal, who had threatened throughout the match, came close to an equalizer before that when Papa Gueye fired into the bottom left corner, but Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert got his fingertips to it.

It was a game that saw a goal for long periods, but both sides lacked ruthlessness. Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal even risked Depay’s fitness to bring him on as a second-half substitute in the hope of finding a way.

The risk paid off as the Netherlands picked up three vital points in a game many believe could decide the Group A winners.

They now sit at the top of the group with Ecuador, who beat host Qatar 2-0 sunday evening

Senegal, without key striker Sadio Mane injured during the competition, looked like a side that had not lost their main attacking threat, but can take confidence from the number of times they troubled the Dutch defence.

The Dutchman disappoints but that’s enough

There was a risk that both sides would leave the Al Thumama Stadium with a sense of frustration before Gakpo’s header finally got on the scoreboard.

The Senegalese fans brought colour, dance and unwavering drumming, often silencing the orange masses, but despite an explosive start to the game on the pitch, it faded as the game wore on.

Watford winger Ismaila Sarr had shone on the left for the African champions in the first half, while De Jong controlled the tempo and dictated play for the Netherlands.

Neither goalkeeper, however, had been tested at half-time. The Dutchman who had squandered two glorious chances: Barcelona’s De Jong took too long to shoot after Gakpo had shown disinterest when he should have tried himself.

But chances began to fall as the final whistle approached.

Senegal’s Boulaye Dia and Idrissa Gueye went close, while Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk headed a good chance over the bar from a Gakpo corner.

Van Gaal finally rolled the dice and brought in Depay, who wasn’t quite fit; his presentation received a roar from the Dutch fans.

He didn’t play long until his shot was pushed by Mendy to Klaassen who made it 2-0.

It was an underwhelming performance from the Dutch at times, but they did enough to overcome arguably their most difficult group game.

Player of the match

SarrIsmaïla Sarr