RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov 8: What is a seemingly innocuous World Cup opening phase for the Netherlands promises to be one of trials and tribulations for Senegal, Ecuador and hosts Qatar. While the Oranje are tipped by many to breeze through their first three fixtures, much less is expected of their Group A rivals.
Senegal have not progressed to the knockout rounds since 2002. Ecuador last did it in 2006. Qatar have never done so as they make their first World Cup appearance. The Netherlands will be determined to reassert themselves on football’s biggest stage after missing the 2018 event in Russia.
Netherlands
Having failed to qualify for the 2016 European Championship and the 2018 World Cup, the Netherlands are back among Europe’s elite.
The three-time World Cup runners-up secured a berth in Qatar by finishing top of their qualifying group with seven wins, two draws and one defeat.
The Oranje’s improved fortunes coincided with the return of manager Louis van Gaal, who took charge of the national team for a third time following the sacking of Frank de Boer in July last year.
Ecuador
Ecuador will be making their first World Cup appearance since 2014, when they were knocked out in the group stage in Brazil.
Gutavo Alfaro’s men secured a direct ticket to Qatar by finishing fourth in the South American qualifying group, ahead of teams of the calibre of Peru, Colombia, Chile and Paraguay. They seem to be peaking at the right time, having lost just one of their last 12 matches and going undefeated in their past six.
Qatar
Qatar has a population of just three million people and is not renowned for its football pedigree. But only a fool would take the tournament hosts lightly.
Felix Sanchez’s men won the 2019 Asian Cup on home soil, beating the likes of South Korea and Japan in the process. They also performed above expectations as guests at last year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, losing to eventual champions United States in the semifinals.
An impressive mix of experience and youth, combined with Sanchez’s tactical expertise and the support of home fans, could see Qatar again punch above their weight here.
Senegal
Senegal are Africa’s highest ranked team (18th) and have lost just one of their past eight matches. The Lions of Teranga will be aiming to become the first African team to progress beyond the quarterfinal stage at a World Cup.
Manager Aliou Cisse can take much of the credit for turning a talented but erratic outfit into one that has developed a potent mix of defensive solidity with attacking flair.
Having taken charge of the Lions after their group stage elimination at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, Cisse led the team to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final in 2019 before going one better by lifting the continental trophy for the first time in February. (IANS)
