Memphis Depay was frustrated to be restricted to the role of a substitute in the Netherlands’ World Cup opener, but he is confident of having a greater impact in coming matches.
Depay had been ruled out of Monday’s match against Senegal in Louis van Gaal’s pre-match news conference.
But the Barcelona forward appeared on the bench and was introduced in the final half an hour with the game still goalless.
Although Depay did not get on the scoresheet, he was involved in the build-up to both Oranje goals in a 2-0 win, with Cody Gakpo scoring the first before Davy Klaassen tucked away the rebound from the Netherlands number 10’s shot.
Speaking afterwards, Depay said: “I feel good, I feel good, I feel fit. Obviously a player like me always wants to start from the kick-off, but this was the plan and now we focus on the next game.
“I’m sure that I’ll feel better, and I’ll work hard to find more rhythm. I’m happy that I could do a little bit of a part in 30 minutes today.”
On Gakpo, who benefited from Depay’s absence and was preferred to Klaassen, he said: “I’m very happy for him. He’s a hard worker, he’s very dedicated in his career. He’s a young baller.
“I’m very happy. He’s a great guy, a young guy, lots to learn, so I’m sure you’ll see more moments like this.”
Despite missing out on the XI, the stoppage-time clincher was also a big moment for Klaassen.
“It’s a dream, of course,” he said. “It’s my first World Cup game, so to score your first World Cup goal and to win… you can’t ask much more.”
98:17 – Davy Klaassen’s goal after 98:17 is the second latest World Cup goal on record (since 1966) excluding extra time, after Mehdi Taremi’s goal earlier today (102:30). Climax. pic.twitter.com/VkzgzaNupr
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) November 21, 2022
Klaassen was also asked about the OneLove captain’s armband, which Virgil van Dijk had been due to wear until FIFA threatened sanctions.
The campaign promotes “inclusion and sends a message against discrimination of any kind”, but those planning to wear the armband feared they would immediately be shown a yellow card.
“We’re still behind the statement,” Klaassen added. “FIFA forced us to not wear it, but the statement is still there.”
Van Dijk himself did not appear impressed by discussion of the topic, saying: “You know exactly what the outcome was.
“Two hours before the England game, the news came out, and I was sleeping at the time. I had no influence on anything.
“I’m not dealing with the armband because I don’t want to get a yellow card.”
Source: Livescore