DOHA (Reuters) - Confident Dutch claims about being serious World Cup contenders face early examination on Monday as they open their Group A campaign against African champions Senegal, who are reeling from the shock of losing their talisman.
The absence of Sadio Mane, ruled out of the tournament by a knee injury, 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 in Doha’s Al Thumama Stadium.
“We don't have the best players in the world in our team but I believe in team building and tactics and we have players who can execute the tactical plan of the coach," he said this week, “and we can get all the way to the final.” But whether they are able to deliver on their coach’s belief - and make a positive start on Monday - remains to be seen given the key elements of the Dutch team have struggled with injury and form this season.
It will be a major psychological blow to a side that Mane propelled to Africa Cup of Nations success at the start of the year and then kicked the winning penalty for, as they edged Egypt in a post-match shootout for a berth at the World Cup finals.
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