Reigning African champions Senegal will this evening open their third World Cup campaign against two-time losing finalist the Netherlands.
The two teams are in Group A of the World Cup which also features hosts Qatar who lost 0-2 to Ecuador in the opening match on Sunday.
Senegal’s best record at the World Cup was a 2002 Quarterfinal berth and were eliminated from the Group stage during the 2018 World Cup in Russia while the Netherlands did not qualify for the last showpiece after finishing 3rd at the Brazil 2014 edition.
FACTS
Senegal ranked 18th in the FIFA World rankings will be meeting 8th ranked Netherlands for the first time.
The Teranga Lions secured their first Africa Cup of Nations (FACON) in February, after beating Egypt on penalties.
Aliou Cisse’s charges have managed to win two matches so far in the Africa Cup qualifiers and have posted a 2-0 win over Bolivia in an international friendly match which was also followed by a 1-all draw against Iran.
Louis van Gaal’s side has enjoyed considerable success in their continental exploits, topping their Nations League group and bagging two morale-boosting wins against Belgium.
The Netherlands have faced African opposition four times at the World Cup and have managed to win 3, with one being a draw while Senegal have never lost to a European opposition in the group stages of the World Cup, winning 2, and drawing 1 in their last three appearances at the finals.
Stars to Watch
Liverpool’s defender Van Dijk standouts as the Dutch’s key player and is expected to be partnered with Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij as well as Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt for the Oranje.
Senegal on the other hand with the absence of Sadio Mane will rely on the services of Boulaye Dia, who is currently on loan to Serie A side Salernitana from Villareal, and Watford wonderboy Ismaila Saar to lead their attack.
Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly and RB Leipzig’s Abdou Diallo as well as goalkeeper Edouard Mendy will be expected to be on top of their game and stop the Dutch from finding the back of the net.
Prediction, Odds and Betting Tip
