Qatar became the first team to be eliminated from FIFA World Cup 2022™ after losing their opening two matches, but while the tournament hosts have only pride left to play for in their closing Group A fixture, the Netherlands, on four points, know they will guarantee further progress if they avoid defeat.
Only the second-ever FIFA World Cup™ hosts to exit in the group stage after South Africa in 2010, Qatar will want to avoid becoming the first to lose all three matches as they take on the Netherlands for the first time.
The Oranje, now unbeaten in 15 FIFA World Cup group matches, have won all five previous encounters with AFC opposition at the tournament, defeating IR Iran 3-0 in 1978, Saudi Arabia 2-1 in 1994, Korea Republic 5-0 in 1998, Japan 1-0 in 2010 and Australia 3-2 in 2014 – all in the group stage. This is the first-ever international match between Qatar and the Netherlands.
After a quiet opening, Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo works his space with three Qatar defenders and still drives into the bottom corner in 27 minutes with his right foot. This goal means Cody Gakpo’s third goal in three group games of the FIFA World Cup 2022.
At the end of the first half, Memphis Depay tried to shoot, but he could not find the back of the net. A few severe moments for Qatar, but the Qataris have converted nothing. First half ended with three extra minutes given by the officials.
Memphis Depay initiated Netherlands’ second goal in the second half’s opening. He dribbled the ball near the keeper and shoot. Unfortunately, it was saved by the Qataris’ keeper Meshaal Barsham, but it wasn’t safe. The ball rebounded off the keeper’s body, and Frenkie de Jong followed up, saw the chance and tapped in. Netherlands 2, Qatar 0.
Netherland’s substitute, Steven Berghuis had the ball in the back of the net, but that doesn’t count after the VAR disallowed due to a handball from Cody Gakpo which had been missed by the Referee.
The officials added six minutes. The Qataris are still trying their best for a goal. There’s nothing Qatar can do. The referee blew the whistle to mark the end of the game. Qatar is now disqualified from the FIFA World Cup after losing to the Netherlands, despite them trying very hard in their first appearance in the FIFA World Cup.
Netherlands will face Group B’s runner-up, where Group B will be playing at 3.00 am in Malaysia time.
(Photo Credit: FIFA)
