The Netherlands No.8 connected with Frenkie de Jong's teasing cross ahead of stranded Senegal goalkeeper Eduoard Mendy, glancing in a header six minutes from the end. It was the moment that finally broke Senegal's resistance, coming from the Netherlands' first shot on target in 84 minutes.

Played in front of thousands of empty seats at the Al-Thumama stadium, the Dutch would go on to get another before the night was out, with Davy Klaasen following up on Mendy's spillage of Memphis Depay's shot in the ninth minute of added time. It wasn't one of Mendy's finest displays for a Senegal team still rocking from the injury to Sadio Mane, which may prove to be a terminal issue for the reigning AFCON champions.

Mane's influence on this Senegal team goes beyond the obvious qualities he brings to the field. Bayern Munich's Mane is a Senegalese icon and his withdrawal from this tournament on its eve is a bitter blow for a Senegal team who had high hopes of making an impression in Qatar.

"I don't think the scoreline is a fair reflection of the game, I am really proud of my boys," said a defiant Senegal coach Aliou Cisse, who saw his problems deepen as both Abdou Diallo and Cheikhou Kouyate came off injured in the second half.

Europe's in-form forward

Senegal were punished by a Netherlands team inspired by Gakpo, who has gained some admirers in the past couple of seasons. He's 23 and is coming into this tournament on the crest of a wave. In the Dutch Eredivisie, he's scored nine goals and collected 12 assists in 14 games this season. His combined tally is the highest of any player in the Eredivisie, Premier League, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, Serie A and La Liga.

"I don't think I'm the great hope for this team," Gakpo said after the game. "We have great players and a great team and we do it all together, but if I can contribute to this team it's a great joy for me."

His ball-striking ability, eye for a cross or a shot, turn of pace, and sheer stature and strength have made him a target for a number of Europe's biggest clubs. One of these are Manchester United, coached by Dutchman and former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag.

Indispensible Gakpo is Van Gaal's man

Tempted by a move to England in August, the left-sided forward sought the counsel of his international coach Louis van Gaal, himself a former Manchester United coach between 2014 and 2016. Gakpo was advised by Van Gaal to stay at his boyhood club PSV to be sure to remain a key member of his Netherlands team.

Gakpo heeded the advice and is enjoying the upside of that decision, having become not only the star player at PSV, where he is developing under coach and former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, but an indispensable member of Van Gaal's team – even if the the coach was only satisfied if not overjoyed with the performance of his team.

"I always had the feeling we were going to score a goal," said Van Gaal, who is in his third spell as coach of the national team. "It was an efficient win but I also thought we were fitter because every two minutes the Senegalese were lying on the ground. So I think it was a well-deserved victory even if I don't think it was a good match from us."

Under Van Gaal, the Netherlands are now unbeaten in 16 games and have some thinking they could be the surprise package of this tournament. With Gakpo in attack, they have a chance.