Mueez Ajao
– Cody Gakpo netted his third goal in three games as the Netherlands comfortably beat World Cup hosts Qatar 2-0 at the Al Bayt Stadium on Tuesday to secure top spot in Group A and advance to the knockout stages.
– The Dutch, who finished with seven points from their three group games, will be joined in the last 16 by Senegal, who knocked out Ecuador by beating them 2-1 to end up second on six points.
– The Qataris had been eliminated after their 3-1 loss to Senegal and despite huge investment in state-of-the-art facilities to host the World Cup, they came up short again on the pitch.
Also Read: Ecuador hold The Netherlands to draw
– They were not without their moments in a dull first half, forcing a couple of corners and threatening on the edge of the Dutch area, but no sooner had they bared their teeth than they were hit with a gut-punch of a goal by Gakpo.
– Davy Klaassen played an inviting ball into the path of the 23-year-old and he received it at pace, slicing through the heart of the defence before dispatching a well-placed shot past Meshaal Bersham to open the scoring in the 26th minute.
– Four minutes into the second half the Dutch struck again as a cross from Klaassen made its way to Depay and the Qatari defence was caught ball-watching as his shot was saved, allowing Frenkie de Jong to bundle it into the net.
– With Qatar lacking the quality to mount a comeback, the Dutch had a goal ruled out after Gakpo was judged to have handled the ball in the build-up, but they still coasted to victory.
– The final whistle signalled the start of the short wait for the Dutch to find out which of the Group B teams — England, Wales, Iran or the United States — they will meet in the last 16.
– Asian champions Qatar will go back to the role of tournament hosts and plotting the future of the game in their country.
The Netherlands secure top spot in Group A! 🔝 @adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 29, 2022
Here's how things stand in Group A!
🍊 @OnsOranje & @FootballSenegal advance to the knockout stages 🦁#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 29, 2022
