In-form Cody Gakpo scored again as the Netherlands topped Group A, ending Qatar’s poor participation at their home World Cup with a third successive defeat.
Qatar’s disappointing performance meant they became the first host nation to crash out of the tournament with three defeats in the group stage, finishing bottom of the group with no points.
The Dutch, who failed to qualify four years ago, reach the last 16 with an unbeaten record and next face the USA.
African champions Senegal beat Ecuador to take second place and will face England.
PSV Eindhoven winger Gakpo has now scored the opening goals in all three of the Netherlands’ group games, on occasion driving forward and slotting into the bottom corner.
Qatar immediately tried to hit back but Ismail Mohammed’s shot from outside the area on the stretch went straight at Anders Neupert.
But Louis van Gaal’s men ended any hopes of a Qatari comeback by scoring early in the second half as Frankie de Jong poked into an open net after saving Memphis Depay’s shot.
The Dutch could have won by more, as Steven Burgess had a goal disallowed and also hit the crossbar.
Gakpo going places
Three-time finalists Holland watched from home four years ago but are making up for lost time by reminding people of their qualities.
Their running back is a strong one, with Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk marching on the back – their captain – pass master de Jong in the middle of the park and cool finisher Gakpo up top.
And the 23-year-old PSV player’s stock continues to rise after becoming the first Dutch player to net in his first three World Cup games after Davy Klaasen’s move from the let-off to the team.
Gakpo has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United and his value is sure to rise with every impressive performance on the world stage.
For club and country, he has continued a remarkable season and has now been involved in 35 goals in 29 games – netting on 17 occasions and providing 18 assists.
With a group of boisterous Qatar fans behind him to rally his side in the second half, De Jong – who himself could have moved to Old Trafford last summer – scored his first World Cup goal on 49 minutes. Broke all expectations by poking.
It could have been worse for the hosts but Burgois was denied a goal by Gakpo for handball and his substitute’s curling effort hit the bar on a very comfortable evening for the Dutch.
Qatar actually started brightly, as captain Hassan Al Haydoos’ long-range strike was collected by Neupert, while Pedro Miguel headed over from a corner.
Along with three consecutive defeats in their first World Cup, Qatar also conceded seven goals, the most by a host nation in the group stage.
With the number of teams increasing from 32 to 48 for the next finals in 2026, Qatar can put this poor campaign behind them and look forward to trying to qualify on their own in four years’ time.
