Senegal lose opening FIFA World Cup encounter 

Senegal suffered a 2-0 defeat in their opening match of the 2022 World Cup Group A match against Netherlands on Monday. 

The Netherlands scored two late goals just when the game looked like it would end in a draw. 

PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo opened the scoring in the 85th minute before substitute Davy Klaassen sealed the victory for the Dutch in optional time. 

SENEGAL NEXT MATCH 

Both nations will be back in Group A action on Friday. Senegal will take on Qatar in a must win match while the Dutch will lock horns against Ecuador.

In an earlier Group B match, England thrashed Iran 6-2 at Khalifa International Stadium. 

Bukayo Saka scored a brace with other goals by Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish.

It was a ninth World Cup win for coach Gareth Southgate. He has now won more matches at major tournaments, World Cup or EUROs, 

than any other England manager. He surpassed Sir Alf Ramsey’s total of eight wins.

FIFA ADDRESSES TICKET PROBLEMS 

There were problems before kick-off as fans experienced issues with their tickets after the FIFA app went down. This led to swathes of empty seats at the Khalifa International Stadium.

“Some spectators are currently experiencing an issue with accessing their tickets via the FIFA Ticketing app. FIFA is working on solving the issue.

“In the meantime, fans who are not able to access their mobile tickets should check the email accounts they used to register with the ticketing app for further instructions,” they said in a short statement.

INTERESTING FACTS 

Iran’s players did not sing the national anthem. They have been accused by the masses back in Iran of siding with the violent state crackdown on popular protests. This is after the death of Mahsa Amini in September following her arrest for wearing a headscarf incorrectly.

According to Reuters, the Iran state television opted not show the footage of the players lining up as the anthem played in its live broadcast. 

In the last match of the evening, USA will play Wales in a Group B match at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan.

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