ISTANBUL

The Netherlands tasted a 2-0 victory against Senegal on Monday in their World Cup Group A match.

Neither side was able to break the deadlock for the first 45 minutes at the Al Thumama stadium in Doha, Qatar.

In minute 65, Boulaye Dia attempted to score a goal with a close-range kick but was denied by Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert.

The Netherlands broke the stalemate when Cody Gakpo powered a header into the back of the net, assisted by Frenkie De Jong in the 84th minute.

Davy Klaassen doubled the lead with a close-range finish in stoppage time (90+9).

In another Group A match, Ecuador won the World Cup opener against host nation Qatar as team captain Enner Valencia netted the ball twice for the 2-0 victory on Sunday.