The action comes thick and fast on day 2 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. We analyse the second of three instalments on a busy day in Qatar.
World Cup fever is in full force with three matches scheduled for Monday. After Ecuador saw off hosts Qatar, 2-0, in the opening game of the tournament, the first round of matches in Group A concludes as Senegal take on the Netherlands.
The Dutch return to the world stage after failing to qualify for the 2018 edition. Their last taste of World Cup action came in 2014, when Die Oranje advanced to the semi-finals in a losing effort to Argentina.
The Netherlands have reached the semis (or beyond) at each of their last two World Cup showings, collecting a bronze medal in Brazil 2014 and ending runners-up four years earlier in South Africa.
The men in orange are perhaps the best nation to never celebrate World Cup success, having reached the final on three occasions (1974; 1978; 2010) without emerging victorious. In 1998, they made the last-four but lost on penalties to eventual runners-up Brazil.
(Photo: AFP via Getty Images)
Now, legendary manager Louis van Gaal prepares for his last dance at the World Cup following almost four decades in football management. The 71-year-old is set to become the third-oldest manager in World Cup history and, should he guide his team to the semi-finals once more, the Dutch coach would rise into second place in that category.
Van Gaal, now into his third stint in charge of the national team, previously saw Die Oranje into the semis eight years ago. A majestic brand of football with some household names in football inspired them to a stunning victory over then-holders Spain in the group stage.
The Netherlands conceded four goals all tournament before they lost out to Argentina on penalties. They then dispatched of hosts Brazil, by three goals to nil, in the bronze medal match.
Remember our last #WorldCup opening match❓😍#NothingLikeOranje | @FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/EqPu20wyzx
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) November 20, 2022
Van Gaal revealed earlier this year that he had been receiving treatment for prostate cancer. This World Cup will be his parting act with the Netherlands national team, and presumably his managerial career awhole, and he will pass over the reigns to Ronald Koeman from the start of 2023.
With a new crop of talent at his disposal, Van Gaal is ready for his final bow at the World Cup and he presumably intends to go out with a bang.
Netherlands’ next-generation of talent is an exciting group and one which should not be overlooked. One obvious characteristic of the current Netherlands team (and Van Gaal’s coaching career in general) is the near-perfect blend of youth and experience.
Eight of the 26-man squad are in their 30s and another eight are aged 23 or below, leaving the remaining 10 in their mid-to-late 20s. Only three players – Daley Blind, Memphis Depay, and Stefan de Vrij – were included in both World Cup squads (2014 & 2022) by Van Gaal.
(Photo: Getty Images)
When Depay was selected eight years ago, the attacker had just six caps to his name without a goal at international level. Now, a player of Barcelona, the 28-year-old is an established regular for his country and he has netted 42 goals in Netherlands colours; only Robin van Persie (50) has racked up more goals for Die Oranje.
Other senior figures in the Dutch camp are Depay’s club teammate Frenkie de Jong, as well as Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool) and Luuk de Jong (PSV).
Cody Gakpo, 23, is among the best the best up-and-coming forwards in world football, and the PSV man looks to spearhead his nation’s attack together with Depay. 19-year-old attacking midfielder Xavi Simons (PSV) is also in line to receive his first World Cup minutes.
While there are many Dutch stars in the very best leagues in Europe, there is still a fair selection of national players currently signed to clubs in the Eredivisie. 11 of the 26 players called up by Van Gaal play for one of Ajax, PSV, or Feyenoord.
The Netherlands topped its World Cup qualifying group with 23 points, winning seven of their 10 games. In the current UEFA Nations League campaign, the men in orange have advanced to the semi-finals along with Croatia, Italy, and Spain.
Senegal also topped their WCQ group before the Africa Cup of Nations champions beat Egypt on penalties to seal their spot in Qatar.
The Senegal camp was recently rocked by the news that star man Sadio Mané has not recovered in time for the showpiece event, after sustaining a calf injury in Bayern Munich’s penultimate match before the season break. Mané, 30, is usually of substantial influence for his nation, and the Teranga Lions may look a complete different unit without the two-time African Footballer of the Year.
Senegal are 5.50 to win their opening match in Group A; the Netherlands are 1.66 to start their World Cup campaign with a win; 3.60 for a draw. (Bet365)
