World Cup 2022: Senegal vs Netherlands match preview

Africa’s highest-ranked team will still look to challenge the Netherlands in the opening clash despite injury to star player.

Senegal and the Netherlands will head into their opening World Cup fixture high on confidence after a string of promising recent performances.

In February, the Teranga Lions secured their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after beating Egypt on penalties.

The Netherlands has also enjoyed considerable success in their continental exploits, topping their Nations League group and notching two morale-boosting wins against their Benelux rivals, Belgium.

Monday’s match will likely represent the greatest challenge in Group A for both teams, who will fancy their chances against Ecuador and Qatar, ranked 44th and 50th in the world, respectively.

The contest at Al Thumama Stadium had promised to pit Liverpool’s mercurial center-back Virgil van Dijk against his former teammate and prolific goalscorer Sadio Mané. However, this year’s Ballon d’Or runner-up picked up a leg injury playing for German champions Bayern Munich and has been ruled out of the tournament, in a big blow to the African champions that has left its supporters in shock.

“We know that we have lost a great leader but I think that there will be more players that will show themselves and we must be ready,” defender Kalidou Koulibaly said.

Midfielder Nampalys Mendy agreed.