The first half started even as both teams were having long spells on the ball and the first chance went to the Dutch side as Gakpo squared it to Bergwijn but the Senegalese players managed to block the shot as he was about to score an early goal for his side. The next chance went to the Senegalese team as Sarr took a shot from outside the box which narrowly went over the bar so far it was an even game with Senegal dominating a bit.
Both teams were creating chances, but the Senegalese side were dominating the ball. The next chance fell to the Dutch team as Daley Blind headed wide from a brilliant cross from Gakpo.Then soon later another chance from the Dutch side was wasted as from the Senegal corner they managed to counter but noting went of it as De Jong took far too many touches in the box and was eventually possessed by Kouyate. Senegal managed to come up with a chance of their own with Sarr as he skated past Dumfries, but his shot was blocked by the experienced Virgil Van Dijk.
The first half has been quite exciting with both teams looking like they will both score and have had good chances but sadly neither have been able to break down both of their strong defences as they have been the main force in stopping the goals in the first half as either side could be or should be winning this game as it’s been so even but sadly none of the teams have managed to break each other down yet.
Second half and its looking like the Dutch side are dominating as they almost come close to a goal as Van Dijk gets a free header as he rises high from the Gakpo corner but couldn’t keep his header on target. The Senegalese team bounce back as just two minutes later Sabaly smashes a shot from twenty-five yards, but it deflects off the knee of Ake which forces it wide for a corner. Senegal soon come close to a goal again as Mendy plays in Dia but all he could do is smash it at the debutant keeper Noppert.
it was looking like it was going to end 0-0 as neither side were working the goalkeeper as well, but deadlock was finally broken as De Jong whipped in a brilliant cross which confused Mendy and the Senegalese defence which was met by a leaping Gakpo who headed it into the top corner to give the Dutch side a 1-0 lead in the closing minutes of this game. Senegal were pressing for an equalizer and it almost came as Papa Gueye fired a good shot from twenty yards out, but Noppert managed to get low to stop it creeping at the near post. There were eight minutes added on and Senegal were pressing for an equalizer with Dieng sending his header wide from the target but then their fate was sealed in the 9th added minute as Klassen slotted the ball in the net as the ball was parried straight to him by Mendy and it was an easy goal that sealed the win for the Dutch side.
Man of the match: Frenkie De Jong
It was an amazing game from him, and he was lucky not to add a goal to his game he dominated the middle of the park and got a vital assist for the Gakpo goal. His stats were good as well with winning all his tackles and recovering the ball 8 times which was more than any other player on the pitch, he was so good today and I’m sure he will get better across the tournament if he keeps up them sort of performances up.
Flop of the match: Edouard Mendy
It was a day to forget for the Chelsea goalkeeper as he was at fault for both goals today missing the cross and giving Gakpo a free header in the box and for the second goal he parried it to Klassen to score the second goal and win it for the Dutch side he hasn’t been great for Chelsea recently and it showed as he was dropped for Kepa who has been exceptional for Chelsea and from that performance today you can see why Graham Potter dropped him.
The stats showed today how even the game was as Senegal dominated the shots on goal and shots whilst the Dutch side dominated possession. It was one of the better games of the tournament based on how even it was, and, on another day, Senegal could’ve won the game, but they need to be more clinical, but it was a deserved win for the Dutch side as they were more clinical with their chances today.
Luke's Football blog 