Netherlands vs Qatar Highlights: Netherlands qualify for World Cup Round of 16 as Group A topper | Football News

NEW DELHI: Netherlands qualified for the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2022 after finishing the Group A on top with an easy 2-0 victory over hosts Qatar at the Al Bayt Stadium on Tuesday.
Qatar, who were already eliminated, became the first host to lose all three of their group matches at soccer’s biggest event.
Cody Gakpo opened Netherland’s account in the 26th minute as he scored his third goal in as many games while Frenkie de Jong extended the lead five minutes into the second half.

Gakpo’s powerful 26th-minute strike came after passes from Memphis Depay and Davy Klaassen, and De Jong was quickest to react in the 50th minute when Depay’s shot from point-blank range was well saved by Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham.
The Dutch, who finished with seven points from their three group games, will be joined in the last 16 by Senegal, who knocked out Ecuador by beating them 2-1 to end up second on six points.
Davy Klaassen played an inviting ball into the path of the 23-year-old and he received it at pace, slicing through the heart of the defence before dispatching a well-placed shot past Meshaal Bersham to open the scoring in the 26th minute.
Four minutes into the second half the Dutch struck again as a cross from Klaassen made its way to Depay and the Qatari defence was caught ball-watching as his shot was saved, allowing Frenkie de Jong to bundle it into the net.
With Qatar lacking the quality to mount a comeback, the Dutch had a goal ruled out after Gakpo was judged to have handled the ball in the build-up, but they still coasted to victory.
The Netherlands are a three-time runner-up at the World Cup, and also finished third in 2014, while Qatar were making their tournament debut.
The Dutch failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
(With Agency Inputs)