The ‘Oranje’ top the group as they leave Maroon red-faced

GROUP WINNER & FINAL 16! 🇳🇱#WorldCup #NEDQAT pic.twitter.com/HbcmeRVnz9
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) November 29, 2022

Goals from Cody Gakpo and Frenkie De Jong ensured the Netherlands topped Group A after easing past the hosts Qatar 2-0.

Qatar have lost all three of their group games, cementing them as the worst performing host nation in World Cup history.

Louis Van Gaal is in his third stint as Netherlands manager and is now unbeaten in 18 games.

The first half was dominated by the Netherlands as they piled the pressure on a disjointed Qatari defence. Memphis Depay, who returned to the starting line-up, had numerous early chances, but he was unable to find the target.

Cody Gakpo on fire 🔥
Memphis Depay fully fit 💪
Louis van Gaal at the wheel 🙌

Don't underestimate the Netherlands 👀#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup pic.twitter.com/VmxxdOWo0G
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 29, 2022

The ‘Oranje’ broke the deadlock in the 26^th minute as Gakpo steered the ball into the bottom corner with his right-foot. Gakpo became the fourth player to score in three consecutive World Cup games for the Netherlands.

Senegal – header 🎯
Ecuador – left foot 🎯
Qatar – right foot 🎯

The perfect hat-trick of goals at the World Cup for Cody Gakpo 🤩#BBCWorldCup #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/1UpHAHY0Cw
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 29, 2022

De Jong doubled the Dutch lead shortly after half-time as he was on the end of a rebound following a well saved shot by Depay.

The substitute Steven Berghuis was denied a goal in the 68th minute as VAR decided Gakpo handled the ball in the build-up.

Next up for the Netherlands is a last 16 clash against the runners-up of Group B on Sunday.