Date: 21 Nov 2022 | 11:00 ET Canada-USA
Ref: Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)
Al Thumama Stadium
While Senegal might know that they will need a minor miracle if they’re to clinch the top spot in Group A ahead of the Oranje, the African giants opened November with a silver medal finish at the top of their agenda.
However, the Lions of Teranga have been hit with a huge blow, facing a tough test when they open their World Cup adventure against the Dutch on November 21st, it confirmed that attacking talisman Sadio Mane will not play any part in the World Cup.
The poster boy of Senegalese football and their nation’s all-time leading goalscorer, the Bayern Munich superstar suffered a tendon injury against Werder Bremen earlier in the month and his inclusion in Cisse’s squad was a shock to many.
While the ex-Liverpool forward might be in a race against time to play some part, Senegal must find a way to get the job done without Mane this winter if they’re to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2002.
Netherlands
Failing to qualify out in Russia four years ago and coming under a huge amount of scrutiny, Holland have embarked on a real resurge since bringing back Louis van Gaal for a third spell in charge.
Ending their exile from the world stage and with the mood in their camp at a red-hot high, the Oranje breezed their way to Qatar earlier in the year and are in the midst of a remarkable purple patch.
the European icons make the trip out to Qatar enjoying a 15-match unbeaten run across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to June 2021.
Who could possibly replace Sadio Mane in Senegal's squad? 🤔 🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/x64glIQUlG
— GOAL Africa (@GOALAfrica) November 19, 2022
Appearing to be riding quite the wave of momentum after booking their spot in the knockout stage of this year’s Nations League, the one-time Manchester United boss has seen his high-flying squad gain a string of plaudits.
Spearheaded by Barcelona outcast Memphis Depay who bagged 10 World Cup qualifying strikes in his 12 appearances, Holland should be regarded as a real dark horse contender this winter.
