On the other hands, Netherlands have garnered a commendable record in the events leading to this World Cup, having reached the UEFA Nations League final for the second time in three campaigns.

Louis Van Gaal side saw off Turkey and Norway in their qualifying stages and they boast of not losing a comepetitive game to African team in their history.

Led by arguably the world best defender, Virgil Van Dijk, playing in his first major international tournament, the Dutch team are well equipped with quality, finesse and experience.

But they will also be without their key talisman Memphis Depay who has been ruled of out their opening match due to a hamstring injury. The 12-goals scored by the Barcelona forward in the qualifying stages were pivotal to earning the Netherlands the World Cup ticket having missed out of the 2018’s edition in Russia.

Senegal possible starting lineup:

E. Mendy; Sabaly, Cisse, Koulibaly, Ballo-Toure; Kouyate, N. Mendy, I. Gueye; I. Sarr, Dia, Diatta

Netherlands possible starting lineup:

Pasveer; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Frimpong, F. De Jong, Koopmeiners, Blind; Klaassen; Gakpo, Bergwijn