FIFA World Cup 2022, Netherlands beat Senegal 2-0: Key stats
Netherlands overcame Senegal 2-0 in a crunch Group A encounter of the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Monday. After a goalless first half, Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong assisted Cody Gakpo, who nodded the opener in the 84th minute. A stoppage-time winner from Davy Klaassen put the Dutch over the line. Sadio Mane-deprived Senegal suffered their first opening defeat in WC. Here's more.
How did the match pan out?
De Jong missed an early shot at the opener but made up for it with a fine assist to Gakpo, who broke the deadlock. Senegal came close to an equalizer in the stoppage time through Pap Gueye but Netherlands goalkeeper Andries Noppert got his fingertips to it. Substitute Klaasen then pounced on a rebound to hand an agonizing defeat to Senegal.
Gakpo inks these numbers
Gakpo fetched only his fourth goal in 10 appearances for Oranje since making his international debut in 2021. It was his maiden goal at the FIFA World Cup. The PSV winger is on a sensational run this year, with 15 goals and 18 appearances across competitions. Most notably, he has fetched nine goals and 12 assists in Eredivisie this season.
Team records scripted in the match
The Netherlands have been unbeaten in their last nine opening matches at the FIFA World Cup (W7 D2). Meanwhile, Senegal had won their first two openers of their WC before tasting a defeat in the concluded fixture (1-0 vs France, 2002; 2-1 vs Poland, 2018).
Contrasting records for Netherlands, Senegal
This was the first-ever encounter between Senegal and the Netherlands. The Dutch remain unbeaten against African opposition at the WC (W4 D1). Meanwhile, it was Senegal's maiden loss against European opposition in the group phase of the competition (W2 D1 L1).
Noteworthy records for Netherlands
As per Squawka, since being knocked out of Euro 2020, Netherlands have netted 43 goals and conceded only 14. They have been unbeaten in this interval (W12 D4). Also, the Dutch have now won seven successive World Cup group stage games, starting from the emphatic 2-0 win over Denmark in the 2010 edition.
Key stats from the match
The Netherlands enjoyed more possession of the ball (53%) and completed 436 passes at an 82% accuracy. Meanwhile, Senegal completed 285 passes at 80% accuracy. The Oranje attempted 10 shots with three on target. Senegal had 15 attempts with four on target but failed to open their account. The Lions of Teranga, however, made 14 tackles, 11 interceptions, and 32 clearances.
Here are the Group A standings
Netherlands are now jointly seated atop the Group A standings with Ecuador, who trounced hosts Qatar 2-0 in the tournament opener.
