Senegal 0-2 Netherlands: The Dutch national team began the World Cup with a win over Senegal on Monday. For a long time, the Orange seemed doomed to a goalless draw, but Cody Gakpo saved national team manager Louis van Gaal’s formation from a first setback in Qatar. In extra time, substitute Davy Klaassen doubled the score.
The Dutch squad faced Senegal with Andries Noppert under the crossbar, as planned. The competition was won by the 28-year-old goalkeeper of SC Heerenveen over Remko Pasveer and Justin Bijlow. Van Gaal also chose Matthijs de Ligt, Steven Berghuis, and Cody Gakpo for the other positions under debate.De Ligt started as the right central defender, Berghuis alongside Frenkie de Jong in midfield, and Gakpo alongside Vincent Janssen and Steven Bergwijn.
The Orange clearly hoped to make a stunning start to the World Cup, but Van Gaal’s formation faced all of the difficulties with Senegal. The national coach projected that the African champion, who took over without the injured Sadio Mane, would most likely collapse and seek a counterattack from there. That impression was correct, although Senegal threatened several times as a result of Dutch blunders.
Senegal 0-2 Netherlands: Aliou Cissé points out the weaknesses
Senegal will play a key World Cup encounter on Friday, according to team manager Aliou Cissé. Following a disappointing defeat against the Dutch, Africa’s champion must defeat Qatar. Cissé was frustrated at his team’s squandered opportunity.
Cissé was saddened by Sadio Mané’s departure. “In front of the goal, we need to be more effective. Ismala Sarr and Krepin Diatta share responsibility, but Mané’s absence is a concern for us. But our other attackers are capable, and we know what they are capable of. This contest was a test for us. We need to focus on finishing.”
Cissé also placed his hand in his heart. “Perhaps it’s just me, since I’m the trainer. If a team is losing, it is usually the responsibility of the coach. But sports is also about efficiency. You can’t win if you don’t score,” stated the coach. “Not everything was a disaster. It is our responsibility to make things right.”
Senegal lost control of the game after Cheikhou Kouyaté and Abdou Diallo were hurt, according to Cissé. “I’m concerned about them. Diallo suffered a muscular injury after Kouyaté twisted his ankle. We must do all possible to assure that they can return to duty on Friday.”
Senegal will play Qatar on Friday, followed by Ecuador four days later. “If we hadn’t lost today, we would already have gotten off to a great start. The second game will be far more tough, and we’ll have to pull out all the stops to win. The reality that we lost tonight gives us even more drive for the upcoming matches.”
