World Cup 2022: Senegal vs Netherlands match preview
The African leaders will be looking to challenge the Netherlands in the first game despite injury to their star player.
Who:
Senegal v Netherlands, Group A
Venue:
Al Toumama Stadium
When:
Monday 21 November 16:00 GMT
Ranking:
Senegal (18), Netherlands (8)
Immediate Results:
None
Senegal and the Netherlands enter their World Cup openers confident after a series of promising performances of late.
In February, the Teranga Lions won their first African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after defeating Egypt on penalties.
The Netherlands have also enjoyed notable success in their continental exploits, topping their Nations League group and posting two morale-boosting wins over Benelux rivals Belgium.
Tough game for both
Monday's game is likely to be the biggest challenge in Group A for both sides as they seek opportunities against Ecuador and Qatar, who are ranked 44th and 50th respectively in the world.
The competition at Al Toumama promises to pit Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk against former team-mate and prolific goalscorer Sadio Mane. However, this year's Ballon d'Or runners-up picked up a foot injury playing for German champions Bayern Munich and was ruled out of the tournament, dealing a huge blow to the African champions who left their fans shocked.
"We know we are missing a great leader, but I think more players will come and we have to be ready," said defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Midfielder Nampalis Mendy agrees.
"We have to be ready, ready before every opportunity, it's true that Sado's absence will cost us a lot... because he's an important player. We also have great quality players, so we're confident in our quality and we'll do everything we can to show that .”
However, Miki Jr., a football journalist specializing in African football, expressed confidence that "this Senegalese team will come out of the group".
He expected Senegal to pick up at least a point against the Netherlands or "maybe surprise the Europeans with a win".
Midfield battle
At the back, both teams offer several world-class options. Van Dijk was joined for the Oranje by the likes of Stefan de Vrij from Inter Milan and Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich. Senegal can count on Koulibaly from Chelsea and Abdou Diallo from RB Leipzig.
Between those two games, Senegal seems to have the upper hand over Chelsea's Edouard Mendy.
Although the goalkeeper has struggled for form this season, his international experience goes far beyond what the Netherlands has to offer. Dutch manager Louis van Gaal is yet to decide on a number one, but in the last two games he has given Ajax stopper Remko Pasveer his first appearance at the ripe age of 39.
In midfield, the Orange have the likes of Frenkie de Jong and Cody Gakpo, who have continued to shine in the Dutch Eredivisie with 13 goals and 15 assists in 24 games this season.
“It will be a complicated game; I think the battle will be won in midfield," said Junior, who singled out Senegalese Pape Matar Sarr, a talented footballer with an "amazing job" as someone to look out for.
Senegal has some interesting options up front such as Boulaye Dia who is currently on loan from Villarreal to Serie A club Salernitana.
However, Mane will be a big loss for Senegal, whose defense will have to compete with Memphis Depay, who appears to have recovered from his injury.
"We have players playing at the highest level, at the biggest club in the world. We have experience. We have talent. We have good combinations. But most importantly, we have team spirit. And I think that's the start and the key to success. Of course success not guaranteed, but it's a good start," van Dijk said on Thursday, praising van Gaal's leadership.
"We have a fantastic coach, an experienced coach," he added.
"It will be a big game against the African champions and we will do everything we can to get a good result and start our World Cup in the best possible way."