Senegal vs Netherlands - LIVE!
The World Cup action continued in Qatar this afternoon with a second Group A clash in Doha. The Al-Thumama Stadium was the venue for a potentially crucial early meeting between Senegal and the Netherlands, who many believe will both eventually seal qualification for the last-16. But Ecuador had already laid down their own marker in yesterday’s opening fixture, easing to victory over the hosts thanks to a brace from captain Enner Valencia.
Senegal’s hopes of repeating their 2002 exploits have been significantly hampered by the absence of Sadio Mane, their superstar forward ruled out for the tournament with his calf injury suffered on club duty for Bayern Munich requiring surgery. The champions of Africa boast plenty of other attacking threats and a strong squad full of players from Europe’s major leagues, but suffered from a clear lack of cutting edge without Mane in Monday’s 2-0 loss.
The Netherlands also lacked inspiration before Cody Gakpo and Davy Klaassen popped up with a late goal each to make a winning return to football’s grandest stage. Follow Senegal vs Netherlands reaction live with Standard Sport’s blog below.
