Netherlands and Senegal are two teams who will meet each other for the first time officially. Although these two teams faced each other in friendly competitions, meeting in the World Cup for the first time is a whole different challenge. After all, playing in the World Cup is the dream of all football teams in the World, so expect a more competitive games in the contest. The match between these two teams happen on November 22, 2022, at 12:00 AM (GMT+8). This will be challenging for both teams as they meet unfamiliar foes on the most prestigious football stage.
The fact that these two teams have not met each other yet in an official games makes this meeting more interesting. Additionally, both of these two teams has a good record coming into this game. Senegal remains unbeaten against any European team in the group stage of the World Cup. In fact, for the last three matches they played against a European opponent in the group stage, they won twice while the other ended in draw. However, no one must underestimate Netherlands as they have a good record on their opening games. In their last eight World Cup openers, they were unbeaten, winning six of those eight opening games. Coming into this game, the Netherlands are eyeing to continue that streak.
Senegal
Senegal enters the World Cup with a high expectations after they impressed everyone during their qualifying round. However, just weeks before the start of the competition, they received a major blow when Sadio Mane suffered an injury. This is big for Senegal because he is their number one player, and one of the main reasons why they are in the contest. With that, they need to immediately find a replacement with the absence of Mane. They are looking to start their campaign in a winning note, to keep things going against Qatar and Ecuador. Senegal aims to reach the knockout stage for the third time in their World Cup history.
With the absence of Sadio Mane, Nicola Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, Krepin Diatta, and Bamba Dieng are all looking to fight for the spot left. Abdou Diallo is doubtful in this match because he is encountering knee issues.
Netherlands
This team topped their qualifying group before the World Cup, and are currently the favorites to top their group stage in the World Cup. However, their opening match is not easy as they will be meeting an impressive Senegal squad. Luckily, they managed to edge Belgium on their last match, so they have the confidence coming into this match. Many believes that this team could pull off a surprise, and be contenders for the title this year. With guys like Frenkie de Jong and Virgil van Dijk leading their team, it is almost sure that they will go far this year.
Despite having a good leaders, there are also important players who will miss this opening game at least. Their attacking talisman, Memphis Depay will not play at least this match as he suffers from hamstring injury. Denzel Dumfries on the other hand is doubtful in this match as he was forced off during his Inter Milan Serie A match. Marten de Roon is unlikely to be available for this match as well as he suffers from back injury.
Prediction:
Netherlands (1.0)
Odds: -0.90
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