World Cup 2022: Senegal vs Netherlands is Grade A Stuff!

Senegal vs Netherlands

Hot on the heels of the World Cup opener between hosts Qatar and Ecuador, the Group A action continues on Monday when World Cup 2022: Senegal vs Netherlands, one of the eye-catching clashes of the first week, takes centre stage.

This is a battle between two teams with pedigree, and a big incentive to make it through to the knockout phases. Senegal won the African Cup of Nations this year and their fans are convinced they can kick on, on the world stage and fly the flag for Africa. Meanwhile the Netherlands, having missed out on the last World Cup, are determined to go deep into this competition and re-establish themselves as one of Europe’s strongest teams.          

If you don’t catch this match live, I reckon the Senegal vs Netherlands highlights will be well worth a watch. The Lions of Teranga come into the game on the back of a 1-1 friendly draw with Iran, while the Netherlands beat Belgium in the UEFA Nations League thanks to a Virgil Van Dijk goal which took the Oranje through to the finals of that competition.

Talking Points

AFCON winners have the taste for success

Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse says his team can do well at the World Cup after their stunning win at the African Cup of Nations. The Lions of Teranga conquered Africa, beating Egypt on penalties in the final as talisman Sadio Mane hit the decisive spot kick to land Senegal a first major trophy. The FC Bayern striker was a Liverpool player at the time and his winning kick broke the heart of his team-mate Mo Salah. And now it is Liverpool fans who should be mourning his departure to FC Bayern as the Reds labour in sixth place in the Premier League table and 15 points off the lead.   

Mane has scored 34 goals in 93 international games and he will be Senegal’s biggest goal threat. But there is plenty of top class experience in this side to support the main man. Watford’s speedy striker Ismaila Sarr can be devastating on his day as Liverpool discovered when he scored twice and made an assist in the Hornets’ shock 3-0 win over Jurgen Klopp’s side in 2020. 

Senegal will be dangerous in attack but they have an impressive rearguard too, with Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy and Blues centre back Kalidou Koulibaly at the heart of defence, while Everton’s defensive midfielder Idrissa Gueye provides extra cover.

The Lions of Teranga are prepared to roar again.  

Partnerships are key for Netherlands  

Louis Van Gaal’s Netherlands have made gradual but impressive progress since 2018 and while they may not have too may stratospheric stars; there is serious quality in the Oranje squad and some solid partnerships. The centre back pairing of Van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt has been widely admired as the best defensive core in world football and this is the ideal stage to show what they can do. And with Manchester City’s Nathan Ake and Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij in reserve this is a strong area for the Oranje.

In midfield Teun Koopmeiners has been outstanding for Atalanta and Frenkie de Jong continues to impress at Barcelona. The Blaugrana are going well in the league and went into the break top of the La Liga table and they have another important representative in this Dutch team. Up front Barcelona’s Memphis Depay, with 42 goals from 81 internationals, is a highly consistent performer out wide or through the middle and he is supported by former Spurs striker Steve Bergwijn, now playing at Ajax. He too can operate on the flank or through the middle so this is a fluid attack, with the option of bringing target man Wout Weghorst on for a change of style.    

The last line of defence is the only area where the Netherlands are inexperienced. Of the three keepers, who all ply their trade in the Dutch league, 24 year old Justin Bijlow is the front runner with six caps.

History

The Netherlands are three times runners up in the World Cup, the last occasion in 2010 and they were the 2019 UEFA Nations League runners up; but the Oranje have tasted tournament success, winning the European Championship in 1988.

This is Senegal’s fourth appearance at the World Cup finals and they were quarter finalists in 2002.

It is the first meeting between these two highly rated sides but the pre-match Senegal vs Netherlands betting odds back a Dutch win, and squad depth combined with recent form backs that up.

The Netherlands are unbeaten in 15 games and have won five of the last six games while Senegal have won four, drawn one and lost one over that period.

Betting Tip

Senegal is available at 5.80 to win, with the draw at 3.60 and the double chance, Senegal or draw, priced at 2.21. The Lions of Teranga have some dangerous players but the Oranje are under pressure to shed their image as also-rans and, at SBOTOP odds of 1.61, Louis van Gaal’s boys should open their campaign with a victory. 

 

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