TheCable

The Netherlands started their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Senegal on Monday evening.

A brilliantly timed run saw Cody Gakpo get in behind the Senegalese defence to connect with a Frenkie De Jong cross and steer a glancing header past the onrushing Edouard Mendy.

Davy Klaassen sealed the victory for his team. A shot from Depay was parried into the path of Klaassen by Mendy and the substitute rifled home on the follow-up.

It was a cruel defeat for the Teranga Lions who fought very hard despite the absence of Sadio Mane.

Here are the top performers and flops in the game.

Kalidou Koulibaly (Performer)

The Chelsea central defender coordinated the back line of Senegal very well, hardly putting any foot wrong in the game. It was an all-round solid display by the former Napoli man.

Daley Blind (Flop)

The former Manchester United player was often caught out of position. He didn’t have the best of games.

Edouard Mendy (Flop)

For a goalkeeper of his calibre, you’d expect Mendy to be on his A-game for such an important game. He was at fault for the first goal and should have done better to stop the second goal scored by the Dutch team.

Cheikou Kouayate (Performer)

Kouyate was thoroughly professional in his approach to the game. He blocked, bulldozed and frustrated the Dutch players. His injury and that of Abdou Diallo affected the shape of Senegal.

Cody Gakpo (Performer)

The PSV forward was menacing up front for Louis Van Gaal’s side. He relentlessly harassed the Kalidou Koulibaly-led back line and was eventually rewarded with a goal.

Memphis Depay (Performer)

The Barcelona forward enlivened the Dutch team when he came off the bench. The ex-Manchester United attacker was effective in his delivery and was involved in the second goal.