There was a risk both sides would leave the Al Thumama Stadium with a sense of frustration before Gakpo’s header finally broke the deadlock. Senegalese fans brought colour, dance and unwavering drum-banging, often silencing the Oranje masses, but despite an explosive start to the match on the pitch, it fizzled out as the game wore on.
Watford winger Ismaila Sarr had shone on the left for the African champions in the first half, while De Jong controlled the tempo and dictated play for the Netherlands. Neither goalkeeper, though, had been tested by half-time. The Dutch who had wasted two glorious chances – Barcelona’s De Jong taking too long to shoot after Gakpo had been selfless when he should have had an attempt himself.
But chances began to fall as the final whistle drew closer. Senegal’s Boulaye Dia and Idrissa Gueye came close, while the Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk headed a good chance over the bar from a Gakpo corner.
Van Gaal eventually rolled the dice, bringing on Depay, who was not fully fit – his introduction receiving a huge roar from the Dutch fans. He did not feature much until his shot was pushed out by Mendy into the path of Klaassen who made it 2-0. It was an underwhelming performance from the Dutch at times but they did enough to come through arguably their toughest match in the group. – bbc sport