Idrissa Gana Gueye’s Senegal began their 2022 World Cup campaign with defeat as they were beaten 2-0 by the Netherlands in Group A.

In an encounter that lacked a cutting edge in front of goal, Louis Van Gaal’s side edged their way to three points in the final stages in the game.

Everton midfielder Gana started in midfield in Doha against a Dutch side who were making their return to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2014.

The 33-year-old had arguably the best effort of the night for the African side on 72 minutes, with his strike from outside the penalty area forcing Andries Noppert into a low save.

The deadlock was broken with 85 minutes on the clock as Barcelona’s Frankie De Jong whipped a ball into the area and Cody Gakpo got the better of goalkeeper Édouard Mendy to head into the net.

Netherlands doubled their lead deep into stoppage time.

Memphis Depay’s initial effort was saved by Mendy, but former Everton midfielder Klaassen latched onto the rebound to secure all three points.

Gana and Senegal will aim to bounce back when they return to the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha to face hosts Qatar on Friday (GMT 1pm).

Regular updates on how the Everton players fare in their respective World Cup fixtures will be provided on evertonfc.com and our social media channels.