Netherlands 2-0 Senegal: Memphis returns as Van Gaal's men leave it late
The Dutch team were eventually winners and match Ecuador who beat Qatar
Louis van Gaal’s Netherlands took their time but eventually earned a win over Senegal with goals from Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen.
The coach has taken his time too, becoming the third oldest manager to take charge of a match at the World Cup on Monday.
Senegal, shorn of Ballon d’Or runner-up Sadio Mane, injured, had some chances but were overcome in the end.
Ismaila Sarr had an effort deflected over in the first half, while Virgil van Dijk nodded over for the Netherlands at the start of the second.
Boulaye Dia made Andries Noppert dip into a smart save, while he also beat away an effort from Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Chelsea stopper Edouard Mendy made errors for the goals, with Gakpo beating him to the ball to head home from Frenkie de Jong’s deep inswinging ball in the 84th minute.
Then he could only parry Memphis Depay’s effort - the Dutchman came on as a substitute, and Klaassen finished the rebound.
It leaves Netherlands and Ecuador joint top of their group, before they face off later in the week.
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