The absence of Sadio Mane does not mean the Netherlands are going to underestimate African champions Senegal when the two sides clash in their World Cup Group A opener in Doha tomorrow, said Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk.
Senegal’s attacking talisman was ruled out of the World Cup on Thursday after injuring his knee playing in the Bundesliga on November 9 in a major blow to his country’s hopes.
But Van Dijk said it will not diminish the threat they will face at the Al Thumama Stadium tomorrow.
The absence of Mane 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.
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 quarterfinals, 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.
Van Dijk says the World Cup will be poorer without his former clubmate Mane, even though the Dutch now face a weaker Senegal side.
Mane was Van Dijk’s teammate at Liverpool up to the end of last season and the pair were set for an on-field reunion as the Netherlands and Senegal kick off their World Cup campaigns at the Al Thumama Stadium.
“I am very sorry that Sadio misses the match against us because this World Cup simply deserves the best players, Sadio is one of them. Sadio is world-class, he is my friend and I will miss him,” said Van Dijk.
He also echoed coach Louis van Gaal’s sentiment from earlier in the week that the Dutch could be strong competitors at the tournament. “For me, Argentina, Brazil and France are the favourite countries,” he told reporters.
“The Brazilians are always there. The Argentines are strong and the French have a great selection. We have a good group, we have a very experienced trainer, but above all we have team spirit.”
The 22nd World Cup will open with the hosts Qatar facing Ecuador in another Group A match. Both teams are expected to be eliminated by Netherlands and Senegal, though many pundits are now seeing a chance for Ecuador after Mane’s injury.
England will host Iran at Khalifa International Stadium in their opening match of Group B at 3pm on Monday before the Dutch and Senegal match at 6pm.
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