The 'Orange Legion' Netherlands, which returned to the finals of the FIFA World Cup after 8 years, took a pleasant first step by beating Senegal, an African powerhouse.
The Netherlands won 2-0 in the first leg of Group A of the 2022 Qatar World Cup group stage against Senegal held at Altumama Stadium in Doha, Qatar today (22nd) thanks to Gakpo and Klassen's goal.
The Netherlands recorded three points alongside Ecuador, who defeated hosts Qatar the previous day 2-0, in Group A.
Senegal and Qatar have zero points.
The Netherlands, which reached the finals for the first time in eight years since the 2014 Brazil tournament, recorded a 14-game undefeated streak (12 wins, 2 draws) in the World Cup group stage.
In terms of the first game of every World Cup, it has been undefeated in 9 matches (7 wins, 2 draws) since losing to Czechoslovakia in France in 1938.
The Netherlands attacked Senegal without 'ace' Mane, led by Berchwein and Janssen.
Senegal, whose mane fell due to a shinbone injury, faced off with Sar, Dia, and Diata, but were out of strength.
In the first half, Senegal put up a tight match with 6 shots on target (1 on target) and the Netherlands 5 on target (0 on target), but neither team managed to score.
In the 9th minute of the first half, Sarga's left-footed shot from the front of the penalty arc went slightly over the goal, and Senegal missed the opportunity to score the first goal.
In the 17th minute of the first half for the Netherlands, Blindt's header, following a cross from each gun, went slightly to the left of the goal.
In the 25th minute of the first half, Sarga's right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area hit Virgil Van Dijk's head and was deflected. could not break the balance.
As the frustrating flow continued, the Netherlands tried to turn around by replacing Janssen with Memphis Depay in the 17th minute of the second half.
In the 20th minute of the second half, Senegalese Diaga's strong right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area and Gueyega's shot from the penalty area 8 minutes later were both blocked by Dutch goalkeeper Nofert, swallowing regret.
In the end, it was the Netherlands who opened the goal.
In the 39th minute of the second half, The Yong's cross from the left flank was headed to the winning goal by Gakpo.
Then, 8 minutes of extra time were given in the second half, and Claesun even scored a key goal in the 54th minute of the second half to complete the victory by two goals.
(Photo = Yonhap News)