Netherlands beats host Qatar 2-0 to advance at World Cup
A goal in each half by Wilfried Zaha and a late header from substitute Thomas Meunier proved enough to send the Dutch into Saturday’s semifinal against Russia.
Zaha’s late strike from 25 meters found its way past goalkeeper Alexander Sarmkovich and into the back of the net for Zaha’s third of the tournament, giving the hosts victory in an even contest before half-time.
“I tried to focus on my job and try to do everything I needed,” Zaha said.
Dabbs Deargo, a substitute, struck twice, including the match-winner for Qatar against Poland in the opening game of the group stage. The Dutch started nervously at the start of the second quarter and could hardly break the deadlock before Zaha’s opener, a fierce shot from inside the six-yard box on the second-minute mark.
Meunier’s second was a superb chip from the right with the outside of the area, and Zaha added his third in the 75th minute.
“I didn’t expect it, but it’s good that we got the goal,” coach Louis van Gaal said.
The hosts are hoping to reach their first World Cup final since 1986. But they fell behind to a goal in each half by the German side, who will be up against Portugal in the third-place game.
Dabbs Deargo gave Qatar a 1-0 victory over Poland and will meet Portugal in their semifinal.
The Netherlands, on the other hand, have made amends for their early setback against Slovakia by beating Poland 2-0 in the semifinal.
The defeat in Bratislava knocked the Dutch out of the race for an eighth consecutive time and made them the first team in 40 years to be knocked out at the group stage.
The Dutch will take on a Portugal side that is unbeaten in its previous eight meetings.
