A great contest between nearly equal teams took place yesterday as Netherlands somehow managed to score 2 goals in the last few minutes to grab the points from their first World Cup encounter, but don’t let the scorecard make you believe that the match was a comfortable one for them.
Senegal were repeatedly creating chances, especially in the starting minutes where Ismaila Sarr eased past Matthijs De Ligt to create a threat. The African team also made the Dutch uncomfortable during the build-up, causing possession losses here and there in critical phases causing counterattacks.
Frenkie De Jong amidst all the chaos got a wonderful one-on-one opportunity with the Senegalese goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy which he couldn’t convert. This was a very big moment given the context of the game at that point, but he would have his shot at redemption later on in the game.
Memphis Depay was subbed in, in the second half. This made Onsoranje’s attack a lot more incisive and it wasn’t long before the first goal of the match arrived. Frenkie swings a beautiful curling long cross from the left side of the pitch and Cody Gakpo beautifully heads it into the net to give the Dutch side a 1-0 lead in the toughest game of their group.
The Onsoranje goalkeeper had to make a full-stretch dive on his bottom left to prevent an equalizer, and the second goal arrived in the dying minutes of the game. Memphis Depay beats his marker Kalidou Koulibaly and takes a shot. His attempt is saved beautifully but falls kindly for his fellow teammate Klaasen who doesn’t make any mistakes from close range, doubling the lead and sealing the 3 points for them.
As for Sergino Dest, his national team drew the game against Wales. Timothy Weah scored a beautiful opener which was later on equalized by Gareth Bale from the spot after a mistimed challenge from Ream.
Today, Ex Barcelona player and legend Lionel Messi plays for Argentina, whereas the repeatedly linked right-back Juan Foyth also might start in the match against Saudi Arabia. Robert Lewandowski also looks to kickstart his World Cup campaign against Mexico, and Andreas Christensen faces Tunisia. Jules Kounde and Ousmane Dembele also face Australia in France’s inaugural matches this year.
