The Netherlands will kickstart their 2022 Fifa World Cup campaign with a tough Group A clash against Senegal at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha on Monday evening.
The Lions of Teranga will come into the tournament off the back of a 1-1 draw against Iran when Sardar Azmoun cancelled out Morteza Pouraliganji’s own goal at the Motion invest Arena on September 27.
Oranje, meanwhile, enter this clash on a positive result after they edged out Belgium 1-0 in the Nations League after Virgil van Dijk scored the decisive goal at the Amsterdam ArenA on September 25.
Aliou Cissé suffered a major blow after it was confirmed that Senegal star Sadio Mane will miss the World Cup after picking up a leg injury while at Bayern Munich.
Cissé said: “I chose a team that can meet the demands of this competition,”
“We gained experience in 2018 and through our continental championships.
“We are going to Qatar, aware of our qualities and above all with high ambitions.”
Netherland coach Louis van Gaal: “I believe we don’t have the best players on earth in our team, but I believe in team building and in tactics.
“I believe we can go far, but we also need luck, that is also important. Because of that and because I believe in imagination we could be the world champion at the end of the tournament.”
This will be the first-ever meeting between Senegal and Netherlands.
Louis van Gaal mostly has a clean bill of health in his squad with only Georginio Wijnaldum missing out after he suffered a broken leg early this season, while Denzel Dumfries will be fit for their opening match after recovering from a know he sustained before the international break.
Although Edouard Mendy has been playing second fiddle to Kepa Arrizabalaga at Chelsea, he will be one of the big stars for Senegal at the World Cup and they will rely on him to put in a solid performance between the sticks and earn his side a clean sheet.
Cody Gakpo will be relishing to chance to showcase his talent on the world stage and will be hoping to continue his form in the final third, having netted 13 goals and registered 17 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions for his club.
Senegal’s Form All Competition:
WWLWWD
Netherlands’ Form All Competition: