All about the Senegal Team at Football World Cup 2018
Les Loins de la Teranga, as they are famously known, have a remarkable footballing history at the World Cup. The first time they qualified was back in 2002 and surprisingly upset the defending champions, and had a run-up to the quarterfinals. It also doubled up as their best year having reached the CAF finals in Mali. 2018 is their second qualification to the World Cup after winning 5 and drawing 3 games to top group D. Coincidentally; the team is managed by the 2002 captain, Aliou Cissé.
Tips for Betting on Senegal in the World Cup 2018
Senegal’s average outright is in the range of 300; denoting the slim chances they have to clinch the trophy. However, for maximum gains, gamers can bet up to the group stages. Being in a moderate group, the chances for The Teranga Lions are open. The probability may be as follows. It is worth noting that the odds below are an average of 4 bookmakers around Europe.
Poland vs Senegal
This is a tactical game, with speed and attack. For safe betting odds in this regard are:
- Over 2.5 goals to be scored
- Both team to score
- Poland win and both to score
Senegal vs Japan
This will be a game of speed, with possession key to control the game. Best odds for the game on the other markets are:
- Senegal will win to zero
- Senegal to score first and win
- Goal score between 60-75 minutes
Senegal vs Columbia
Both teams have a history of a fast and physical game. In this regard, the best odds would be:
- Columbia to win by 1 goal
- Yellow cards in second half
Qualification into the round 16
The odds to qualify for round 16 in 2.37 and will likely meet England. These two teams have never met, but England is 8 places above Senegal. There are no direct comparison statistics between the two, but the odds will favour England.
Betting Odds on Senegal to Win the World Cup 2018
Owing to Senegal’s current World FIFA rankings, capacity and team player’s experience, the probability for Senegal to win the World Cup is low. Bookmakers’ estimations range from 400/1, 500/1, 200/1 and Betfair’s 180/1, amongst others. This gives an average odd of 320/1. The best they can achieve is reaching the round of 16, but they may have to fight through the Columbians and the Polish, who are ranked higher in the latest football ranking.
Expected Senegal Lineup at the World Cup
Goalkeeper and defenders
This department boasts Reims Abdoulaye Diallo, fresh talent and the experienced Khadim Ndiaye who plays for Guinea’s Horaya. Both goalkeepers are first-team members in their respective teams with 26 call-ups between them. The reserve goalkeeper is ASC Niarry Tally’s Pape Seydou N’Diaye.
Anger’s Saliou Cisse, Anderlecht’s Kara Mbodj, Lorient’s Zargou Toure and St. Ettiene’s Cheikh M’Bengue form part of Senegal’s first choice defence. Others are Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli) Lamine Gassama (Lorient) Fallou Diagne (Metz and Youssouf Sabaly (Bordeaux)
Midfield
This a star-studded department with the likes of Everton’s Idrissa Gueye, Galatasary’s Allouine N’Diaye, West Ham’s Cheikhou Kouyate (Captain) Newcastle’s pair of Mohamed Diame and Henri Saivet, Birmingham City’s Alfred N’Doye and Papakouli Diop of Eibar.
Forwards
Equally, the striking force is rich with talent, pitching Liverpool’s Sadio Mané, Shabab Al-Ahli’s Moussa Sow, Amiens’ Moussa Konate, West Ham United’s Diafra Sakho, M’Baye Niang of Torino and Mame Diouf of Stoke City. The team has an average of 26 years, making the possible game format to be speedy and physical.
The manager prefers the 4-3-3 formation which tries to balance the weight from both offensive and defensive game plans. However, the traditional 4 – 4 – 2 structure might be considered if the opposing team plays slow-paced football.
4 – 3 – 3 Formation
This formation is preferred when playing with Japan, Poland and England (if they qualify for the round of 16). They play a strong game and quick-pace football. It needs experienced players who understand the shifting attack rhythm. The possible line-up would be:-
- Goalkeeper – K. N’Diaye
- Defenders – M’Bengue, S. Cissé, K. Mbogji, Z. Toure
- Midfielders – M. Diame, I. Gueye, C. Kouyate
- Forwards – S. Mané, M. Sow, K. Baldé
4 – 4 – 2 Formation
This is a more relaxed formation, keeping the ball in play while opening up the playing ground. This system may work when playing Columbia (if they continue playing their 4-2-2-2 formation) as it stretches the opponents. It also works well with a mixture of experience and new talent, as shown in the possible team line-up below.
- Goalkeeper – A. Diallo
- Defenders – M’Bengue, S. Cissé, K. Mbodji, L. Gassama
- Midfielders – A. N’Diaye, Z. Toure, C. Kouyate, I. Gueye
- Forwards – S. Mane, M. Diouf
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Sadio Mané
Born on April 10th 1992, Mané currently plays for Liverpool FC in the English Premier League as a left winger. He is presently estimated over €60 million, making him one of the most expensive African in the football history. With experiences in the Senegalese, French, German and English leagues, Mané is a player to watch in the 2018 World Cup. He has over 40 international call-ups to Senegal’s national team, with 14 goals.
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Idrissa Gana Gueye
At 28 years of age, Idrissa plays in the English Premier League for Everton FC as a defensive midfielder. Credited as the Everton’s midfield pivot, Idrissa will be instrumental in holding the Senegalese team together at the World Cup. Amongst his accolades are 2016/17 English Premier League Top-tackler and Everton’s Pressing Game Catalyst. His build-up game style elevates him from his peers and will be the focus for the team’s chances on progressing. He has over 55 national caps to his name.
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Moussa Sow
Of the current team, Sow is the lead goal scorer of the Teranga Lions. He has the highest goal per game ratio in the team. Sow is the most experienced player in the team, with 14 years, spent in the French Ligue 1 and Turkey and UAE. Currently, he trades his skills for Shabab Al Ahli in the United Arab Emirates. He has over 40 caps to his name.
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