AL KHOR, Qatar (AP) — The Netherlands still has a long way to go to fit into the “total football” groups of the 1970s, or even the more offensive “Oranje” groups that reached the World Cup final in 2010 and finished third in 2014. .
However, a 2-0 win over Qatar on Tuesday saw the Dutch qualify for the knockout stages by completing first in Group A, while the Qataris, who were already eliminated, were the first hosts to lose all 3 of their organization’s matches at the World Cup. .
“If you play against Qatar, everyone will think and expect you to win 5-0 or more, but this tournament has shown that it is very difficult,” Dutch midfielder Davy Klaassen, voted best man of the match, said through an interpreter. . .
“We are very critical of ourselves and we want to improve,” Klaassen added. “But we have made progress and will continue. “
Cody Gakpo gave the Netherlands the lead midway through the first half with his third goal in as many games and Frenkie de Jong doubled the lead five minutes into the second half.
The Netherlands, a three-time World Cup finalist, will face the United States for a place in the quarterfinals.
Qatar, which was making its debut in the tournament, won the 2019 Asian Cup. But the team’s Spanish coach, Felix Sanchez, said the Asian Cup is compared to the World Cup.
“We came here to try to compete and we controlled doing that,” Sanchez said, adding that he is not sure of his long-term prestige within the team.
“One of the things about our team is that we have a long-term plan that doesn’t count on me or anything else,” Sanchez said. “We are going to rest for a few days and continue with the paintings and the plan. “
The Netherlands, which failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, finished with seven points at the top of the organization. Senegal, which beat Ecuador 2-1 in the organization’s other match, took a momentary position with six points. Ecuador was eliminated with 4 problems and Qatar with zero.
Attendance at Al Bayt Stadium, which also hosted Qatar’s loss to Ecuador in the tournament’s opening match, was estimated at 66,784, almost at capacity. He jumped up and down.
At one point halfway through, Qatari enthusiasts waved a Palestinian flag with “Free Palestine” written on it.
In the 26th minute, Gakpo shot from outside the area, dribbled in front and unleashed a hard side shot between two defenders that went through the right post.
Gakpo is the fourth Dutch player to score in 3 consecutive World Cup matches after Johan Neeskens (1974), Dennis Bergkamp (1994) and Wesley Sneijder (2010). He is also the player of the moment to open the scoring for his team 3 times in the same organization. level after Alessandro Altobelli for Italy in 1986.
“Cody Gakpo has what it takes to be a star,” said Dutch coach Louis van Gaal, 71. “In addition, he has a glorious personality. He is open-minded to everything. “
De Jong’s goal came here when he ran forward unopposed to connect on a rebound from close range after a shot through Memphis Depay.
A possible third goal for the Netherlands through Steven Berghuis was cancelled after a video review by a hand in preparation.
Berghuis then hit the bar in added time.
While the Netherlands dominated possession of the ball and created many more chances, Qatar went ahead and there was a moment of nervousness for the Dutch when goalkeeper Andries Noppert struggled to recover a long-range shot from Ismael Mohamed after Gakpo’s goal.
TOP SCORER
Gakpo tied France’s Kylian Mbappe and Ecuadorian veteran Enner Valencia as the tournament’s most sensible scorers.
For the club and the country in all competitions this season, Gakpo has been on 35 goals in 29 appearances with 17 goals scored and 18 assists.
That makes PSV Eindhoven, 23, the target of a major move in the coming months.
COMPLETE APTITUDE
Van Gaal said his appearance had been enhanced by the return of Depay and midfielder Marten de Roon.
“The next phase, which is the genuine maximum part, we can start with a positive feeling,” the coach said.
FOLLOWING
The Netherlands will face the United States on Saturday at Khalifa International Stadium.
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Andrew Dampf is in https://twitter. com/AndrewDampf
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AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews. com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter. com/AP_Sports
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