Africans champions Senegal made a false start in the FIFA World Cup 2022 losing 2-0 to Netherlands in a Group A match played on Monday at the Al Thumama Stadium in Qatar.
Senegal showed nerves when they controlled the match for longer spells, but the experienced Netherlands team had the last laugh scoring through Cody Gakpo after 84 minutes and a late Davy Klaassen nine minutes of added time.
Aliou Cisse, the Senegal head coach said they will now have to go back to the drawing board and reorganize for the remaining two group matches against Ecuador and hosts Qatar.
“The coach is responsible for any defeat so perhaps I’m the one to blame,” Cisse told a post-match news conference at the Al Thumama Stadium. “We’re disappointed at not having scored. We had three or four chances but you’ve got to be effective,” said Cisse.
Ecuador who silenced hosts Qatar 2-0 in the opening match and now joint top with Netherlands, while Qatar and Senegal are also tied after losing by the same margin.
In the other matches played yesterday England humbled Iran 6-2, while USA and Wales settled for a 1-1 draw.
Tunisia will be in action later today against Denmark with Africa hoping to see one of their teams pick up a win. Other matches taking place today include Argentina against Saudi Arabia, Mexico taking on Poland, and France battling Australia.
Collected results
November 20
Qatar 0 Ecuador 2
November 21
England 6 Iran 2
Senegal 0 Netherlands 2
USA 1 Wales 1
