Xtra Time Web Desk: Netherlandseased into the pre-quarters of ongoing FIFA World Cup 2022 with a 2-0 win over Qatar in a Group A clash at the Al Bayt stadium on Tuesday. Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 26th minute while Frenkie de Jong was on target in the 49th minute.
Gakpo gave Netherlands the lead with a right-footed drive inside the box mid-way into the first half. Frenkie de Jong extended the lead for his side at the start of second half. Davy Klaassen’s cross came off a defender’s head and found Memphis Depay at the far post. His effort from close range was saved, but it fell kindly for De Jong to prod into an empty net from just a few yards.
In another Group A fixture, Senegal defeated Equador 2-1 at the Khalifa International Stadium to seal a spot in the Round of 16. Senegal became the first African nation to beat a South American side at the World Cup since Cameroon v Colombia in 1990.
Ismaila Sarr scored the opener for Senegal from a penalty in the 44th minute while Kalidou Koulibaly was on target in the 70th minute. M Caicedo was on scoresheet for Equador.
Senegal are only the third African team to reach the World Cup knockout phase in at least two different editions, after Nigeria (1994, 1998 and 2014) and Ghana (2006 and 2010).