Mane-less Senegal still stern test for confident Netherlands

Confident Dutch claims about being serious World Cup contenders face early examination when they open their Group A campaign against African champions Senegal, who are reeling from the shock of losing their talisman.

FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022"Training session The Netherlands"

DOHA - (lr) Assistant coach Edgar Davids, Cody Gakpo, Daley Blind, Teun Koopmeiners, Coach Louis van Gaal during a training session of the Dutch national team at the Qatar University training complex on November 20, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. The Dutch national team is preparing for the opening game during the World Cup in Qatar against Senegal. ANP MAURICE VAN STONE (Photo by ANP via Getty Images) Credit: ANP/ANP via Getty Images

Create your SBS On Demand account to stream all 64 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2022ᵀᴹ live and free any time on your favourite device.

The absence of Sadio Mane, ruled out of the tournament by a knee injury, could prove a catastrophic blow to Senegal's hopes of breaking new ground for Africa at the tournament, but they are still expected to be testing opponents in Doha's Al Thumama Stadium on Monday (Tuesday 3am AEDT).

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has been confidently predicting his side have the ability to go all the way in Qatar, finally winning the World Cup after losing three previous finals.

"We don't have the best players in the world in our team but I believe in team building and tactics and we have players who can execute the tactical plan of the coach," he said this week, "and we can get all the way to the final."
The wily 71-year-old took the Netherlands to third place at the World Cup in Brazil eight years ago and since returning to the job last year, has taken the team on a 15-match unbeaten run.

But whether they are able to deliver on their coach's belief - and make a positive start - remains to be seen given the key elements of the Dutch team have struggled with injury and form this season.

Captain Virgil van Dijk has been a shadow of the player previously proclaimed one of the world's top defenders, while Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay have struggled with niggling injuries at Barcelona.

These woes, however, pale in comparison to the blow that Senegal suffered in losing Mane, who hurt his knee playing for Bayern Munich on November 8 and, after days of speculation, was finally ruled out on Thursday.

It will be a major psychological blow to a side that Mane propelled to Africa Cup of Nations success at the start of the year and then kicked the winning penalty for, as they edged Egypt in a shootout for a berth at the World Cup finals.
Mane issued a public message following knee surgery earlier in the week.

"Many of you have sent messages of support following my injury," wrote Mane on Instagram. "Thank God, the surgery I had in the middle of the week went well. I wanna take this opportunity to thank and show my appreciation to you all.

"I am convinced that my teammates will fight as one man and as they usually do to honour our dear (Senegal). Long live Senegal, come on!"

Senegal are considered the best hope for African success in Qatar after a dire tournament for the continent in Russia four years ago, where all five representatives failed to get past the first round.

They are one of only three African countries who have previously reached the World Cup quarter-finals, which Senegal achieved 20 years ago. Coach Aliou Cisse wants his players to believe they can go as far, or even further again, even if Mane is no longer around.

"That's the kind of confidence I want my players to have. I want them to tell themselves that if France can win, why not us?" he said.

Host nation Qatar was beaten 2-0 in the opening match of the tournament by Ecuador.
WATCH every match of the FIFA World Cup 2022ᵀᴹ LIVE and FREE on SBS and SBS On Demand. For all the latest action and updates from the diverse range of SBS Sports, follow us on SBS Sport FacebookTwitterInstagram and YouTube.

Share
Follow SBS Sport
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow SBS Sport
4 min read

Published

Source: SBS, AAP


Share this with family and friends


SBS Sport Newsletter

Sign up now for the latest sport news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS On Demand
SBS Audio

Listen to our podcasts
The SBS Cycling Podcast is a punchy podcast covering the world of professional cycling, coming to you during the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España.
Get the latest with our sport podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS Sport
Sport News

Sport News

News from around the sporting world