16:55
The teams take to the pitch at this moment along with referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio from Brazil. In a few minutes, after the national anthems, the game can begin.
16:46
However, with the above-mentioned facts about sports politics always in mind, we come back to the game. Incidentally, it’s the first time the two nations have met in an international match and it’s a very important one, because both teams are obviously striving for a good start to the tournament, even though Group A isn’t one of the most difficult groups. Yesterday, Ecuador convincingly won 2-0 in the opening game against hosts Qatar. This puts Senegal and the Netherlands under pressure, as these three teams are very likely to fight it out in the round of 16.
16:36
In addition to the sporting importance of this game, unfortunately, a look at the political dimension of the tournament as a whole must also be taken. Because the tournament is richer by a sad episode, since FIFA has banned the one-love captain’s armbands. The European participants had agreed to wear them, but backed down today due to the sanctions announcement by the world association, which also includes the national team of the Netherlands. Not only FIFA, but now also the national associations, gives a poor picture. It would have been quite possible to oppose the organization here and accept the associated penalties. With the Iranian side bravely refusing to sing the national anthem in the previous game in order to side with the oppressed at home, the Europeans are not covering themselves in glory. It remains to be seen whether Elftal will consider an alternative.
16:22
Mané’s absence obviously weighs heavily on the Sénégal. Coach Cissé is nevertheless convinced that his team will do well: “We are stronger than in Russia four years ago”. At that time it was not enough for the round of 16 due to the fair play rating, what a curiosity. The squad for the Africans also includes Ismail Jakobs, a former German U21 European champion and ex-Cologne player who now plays for Monaco and Sénégal. With the Netherlands you have the favorites of the group in front of you. And the Elftal wants to go even higher, as van Gaal confessed: “We can become world champions”. The former Bayern coach definitely knows how to make it to the final, having lost to Spain there in 2010. Today, however, the foundation stone must first be laid.
16:04
To start, let’s take a look at the lineups. For the hosts, Aliou Cissé called up the team’s stars, Mendy and Koulibaly, among others, in the starting XI, choosing a 4-3-3 formation. In addition, particular attention is paid to Ismaila Sarr on the flank, the Watford player is lightning fast. Unfortunately, Sadio Mané cannot take part, the FC Bayern Munich player had to pull out of the World Cup due to injury. Louis van Gaal with the guests today relies on the well-known 3-5-2 system. Gakpo should take over the creative game up front behind the strikers, Janssen plays for the ailing Depay up front. In goal, that’s the big surprise, Noppert can start, for the keeper it’s the debut in the national team and at a World Cup.
16:00
Welcome to the Sénégal vs. Netherlands match in Group A of the 2022 World Cup at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha. Kick-off is at 5 p.m.!