DOHA: Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen struck late to power the Netherlands to a scintillating 2-0 victory over Senegal in the FIFA World Cup 2022 Group A fixture at Al Thumama Stadium, here on Monday.

The Netherlands marked their return to the world cup stages in style as they outclassed African champions Senegal to book their first triumph in the ongoing mega event.

Senegal without their star player Sadio Mane, while the Netherlands missed their forward Memphis Depay as a tense Group A encounter between the two powerhouses was on the track of a goalless draw.

However, with just six minutes away from the conclusion of regulation time, the Dutch forward Gakpo broke the shackles and opened the scoring with an astounding header that stunned Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Coming in for Steven Bergwijn in the 79th minute, Klaassen then doubled Netherlands’ lead in the extra time as he struck on the rebound of Mendy’s save off Frenkie de Jong’s cross from the left.

Following their 2-0 victory over Senegal, the Netherlands level with Ecuador on top of the Group A standings, while Senegal will take on Qatar in a must-win encounter.

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