FIFA World Cup, the most incredible show on earth, started last night in Qatar with the match between Ecuador and the host, Qatar. However, the two giants will play tonight in different games. The Netherlands will start their World Cup journey in tonight’s second match against Senegal.
Stats and Form
The Netherlands have never played against the African Nation’s Cup champion, Senegal, not even in a friendly. However, both teams are confident to start their mission in the best possible way.
The Netherlands have never lost their last eight opening games in the FIFA World Cup. They won six of them, and the remaining two were drawn.
Besides, Senegal participated only twice in the FIFA World Cup. But they have a strong record in their opening game in the World Cup. They won both of their openers in this tournament. Senegal defeated Poland in their first match in the Russia World Cup and beat France in 2002. However, Senegal reached the semifinal in 2002.
Team News
Sadio Mane was one of the key players for Senegal’s recent success. He led the team to win the African Nations Cup in 2021, defeating Egypt. Unfortunately, Sadio Mane can’t help his team in this world cup.
Sadio Mane got a knock during the match between Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga earlier this month. But Senegal boss Aliou Cisse put Sadio Mane in the squad for Senegal despite his injury. The manager thought Sadio Mane could return after the first game. But after the medical checkup, Sadio Mane’s world cup journey has ended. He needs three weeks to recover. However, Ismaila Sarr and Famara Diedhiou are ready to lead the frontline for Senegal.
On the other hand, the Netherlands have one of the strongest squads for this world cup. Although the Dutches missed the Russia World Cup in 2018 as they failed to qualify, they have become one of the favorite sides under Luis Van Gaal. However, like Senegal, the Dutches will also miss their striker, Memphis Depay, for at least one match due to injury.
The predicted lineup for Senegal
E. Mendy; Sabaly, Cisse, Koulibaly, Ballo-Toure; Kouyate, N. Mendy, I. Gueye; I. Sarr, Dia, Diatta.
The predicted lineup for the Netherlands
Pasveer; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Frimpong, F. De Jong, Koopmeiners, Blind; Klaassen; Gakpo, Bergwijn
