Netherlands take all 3pts in their World Cup opener against Senegal
Late strikes from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen earn hard-fought win for Dutch in their World Cup opener… with Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy at fault for both goals
Cody Gakpo underlined his status as one of Europe’s hottest prospects as he headed home a perfectly-flighted cross from Frenkie de Jong before Davy Klaasen scored late on to give Holland a 2-0 win over Senegal in their World Cup opener in Qatar.
Just as the Group A clash looked to be heading for a goalless draw, Gakpo beat Chelsea goalkeeper Eduoard Mendy to the ball to put Holland in front with six minutes to go.
PSV star Gakpo had been moved further forward by Louis van Gaal and the decision from the Dutch boss paid almost immediate dividends, sparking wild celebrations in the stands and on the bench.
Mendy was again at fault as he parried out a tame Memphis Depay effort deep into stoppage time into the path of Klaasen, who did the rest to seal the three points for Van Gaal’s men.
Defeat for Senegal was compounded by the loss of Nottingham Forest midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, who was stretchered off midway through the second half with an injury
