Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal on Qatar
The second World Cup 2022 game in Group A sees African champions Senegal face off against the Netherlands in a clash that could determine the eventual fate of the group. Both sides are tipped to make it into the knockouts, ahead of Ecuador and hosts Qatar, so today’s encounter may decide who finishes top.
Netherlands are fancied by some to go the distance at the which would cap a remarkable turnaround for the Oranje after they failed to even qualify four years ago with coach Louis van Gaal hoping for his side to dominate the group to put themselves into a good position to start the knockout rounds.
Prior to their absence at Russia 2018 they had reached the semi-finals and finals in the previous two World Cups, so there is an expectation and optimism in the country that they can return to prominence this time around.
Menawhile, Senegal come into the World Cup on the back of gut-punching news that Sadio Mane is out injured and will miss the tournament. He was a vital part of their qualifying campaign and scored the goals to both win them the Afcon and qualify for Qatar. The Lions of Teranga will now have to rely on Chelsea duo Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly who will play pivotal roles if the African nation are to reach the last 16.
Follow all the action from Qatar with out live blog below:
Senegal vs Netherlands
10 mins: A Dumfries cross is easily collected by Mendy in the Senegal goal.
Cisse is briefly down in the box, but he’s okay to continue.
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 16:13
Senegal vs Netherlands
9 mins: Some brave play by Netherlands at the back – brave but foolish!
They lose the ball on their left flank, and Senegal work it into the middle.
Sarr is in space and quickly gets a shot off… He curls it just over the crossbar!
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 16:11
Senegal vs Netherlands
8 mins: Senegal are probing here.
A deep cross doesn’t quite fall kindly enough for anyone to turn it in at the back post, but they’ll be encouraged by this spell.
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 16:10
Senegal 0-0 Netherlands
7 mins: Now Senegal enjoy some possession, which results in them working the ball up the right flank.
Nothing comes of a brief opening, so they switch the ball to the left.
They play it back into the middle, where De Ligt fouls Sarr.
Senegal have a free kick, central and some way from goal.
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 16:09
Senegal 0-0 Netherlands
4 mins: CHANCE FOR NETHERLANDS!
Gakpo’s cut-back from the right flashes across the face of the Senegal goal, and Bergwijn is stretching but unable to get on the end of it!!
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 16:06
Senegal 0-0 Netherlands
3 mins: Netherlands play the ball around at the back, with centre backs Van Dijk and Ake passing it between themselves.
Van Dijk then boots a pass long, but Bergwijn can’t quite bring it down.
Gakpo ends up in possession on the right wing for the Netherlands, though, and they win a throw-in.
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 16:06
Senegal 0-0 Netherlands
1 min: Early chance for Senegal as Sarr cuts a low pass behind Van Dijk and to Dia, whose shot is blocked and loops over the crossbar.
Corner to Senegal. Gueye to take…
But it’s headed out of the Netherlands box then cleared.
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 16:04
Senegal 0-0 Netherlands
Kick-off: We’re under way as Senegal take on Netherlands in Group A!!
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 16:01
Senegal vs Netherlands
We’re five minutes away from kick-off!
Alex Pattle21 November 2022 15:56