Match report: Senegal 0 - 2 Netherlands

 In the opening game of the World Cup in Group A, the Netherlands scored two goals in the second half to secure a decisive win against Senegal.

After PSV Eindhoven striker Cody Gakpo beat Chelsea goalkeeper Eduardo Mendy, Frankie de Jong's chipped shot gave the Netherlands the lead with six minutes remaining.

Substitute Davey Klaasen added second depth in stoppage time to bounce off Memphis Depay's shot to confirm the win. Dutch fans gathered on the other side of the Al He Tumama stadium facing the orange sea, and celebratory cannonballs swirled behind his post in goal in front of the Senegalese fans.

Before Klaasen felt confident in the final nine minutes of stoppage time, they were already chanting team names, knowing victory was near. Senegal, who had been a threat throughout the game, nearly equalized earlier when Papa Ghehe fired a finishing shot into the bottom left corner, but Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppelt caught him at his fingertips. It was a long battle for a goal, but both teams lacked composure. Dutch coach Louis van Gaal found a breakthrough by putting Depay's fitness at risk and bringing him in in the second half.

The bet paid off as the Netherlands scored a crucial three points in a match that many believed would decide the Group A winner. They are now tied for first place with Ecuador, who beat hosts Qatar 2-0 on Sunday night.

Overwhelming Dutch but enough to find:

Senegal appeared to miss their biggest offensive threat as forward Sadio Mane remained unscathed throughout the match, but they are confident in the number of times they have thwarted the Dutch defense.

Both teams risked leaving Al-Thumama Stadium in frustration before Gakpo's header finally ended the stalemate.

The Senegalese fans brought color, dancing, and steadfast drumming that often silenced the Oranje crowd, but despite their explosive start on the pitch, it faded as the game progressed.

Watford winger Ismaila Sarr shined on the left side of the African champions in the first half, with De Jong controlling the pace and directing the Dutch game. However, neither goalkeeper progressed to his Test at halftime. Having missed two glorious chances, Holland-Barcelona's de He Jong took too long to shoot after every shot. But as the final whistle approached, their chances began to dwindle. Senegalese Bouley Dia and Idrissa Gueye closed in, while Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk headed from corner to corner.

Van Gaal eventually rolled the dice and picked up Depay, who was not entirely healthy. His introduction was greeted with loud cheers by Dutch fans. He didn't play much until his shot hit Mendy's Klaasen run to make it 2–0. It was a dominant performance for the Dutch, but they did enough to hold up in what was arguably the group's toughest game.