FIFA World Cup 2022: How the Netherlands narrowly edged out Senegal in a tight affair – tactical analysis

After an underwhelming opening day performance from hosts Qatar against dark horses Ecuador, the second day of the 2022 FIFA World Cup began with a thrilling 6-2 win from an impressive England against Iran. Many expected Senegal and the Netherlands to follow suit, however, the AFCON champions and Europe’s in-form side competed in a cagey affair.

There has been an emphasis on the detrimental effects that losing the opening fixture in an international tournament can cause. With a Sadio Mané-less Senegal and a Netherlands squad with a severe lack of World Cup experience, elements of this cautious approach appeared, creating a tight contest.

As favourites to top Group A and enjoy a run deep into the tournament, the Netherlands had an opportunity to make a statement against a well-respected Senegal. However, there was also an aura that this game was a must-win for Oranje. Dropped points would put even more pressure on their second game against the resolute Ecuador, with Senegal expecting to beat Qatar a couple of hours earlier.

Two late goals from PSV Eindhoven attacker Cody Gakpo and substitute Davy Klaassen got the job done for Louis van Gaal’s men, despite Senegal’s valiant efforts. Aliou Cissé’s Lions of Teranga will be aiming to bounce back with a win against Qatar to set up a crucial decider against Ecuador.

In this tactical analysis, we will look at the tactics of Senegal and the Netherlands which saw the African champions largely go stride-for-stride with an Oranje side unbeaten in fifteen games.

Lineups

Aliou Cissé lined up in a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 hybrid with the glaring absentee that is Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mané. AS Monaco’s Krépin Diatta was selected as the replacement for the 2022 Ballon d’Or runner-up, although the former Liverpool forward has irreplaceable star quality. Regularly appearing on the right wing at club level, Diatta was heavily involved on the right flank against the Netherlands with his ball-carrying and pace. However, Watford’s Ismaïla Sarr was a persistent danger that terrorised the Dutch defence on the left with Boulaye Dia in central areas.

Everton’s Idrissa Gana Gueye would occasionally join the attackers from midfield, making much-needed movements into the box from a midfield trio that is primarily known for their defensive work. Behind Gueye in Senegal’s Premier League midfield was Nottingham Forest’s Cheikhou Kouyaté and Leicester City’s Nampalys Mendy. Mendy operated as the pivot player for the Lions of Teranga, but his ability to progress possession was dramatically minimised by the Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo. Kouyaté provides further duelling strength to Senegal’s midfield but was eventually replaced by Marseille’s Pape Gueye due to injury.

Senegal’s use of their full-backs have been essential to their recent success, and they were key to their performance against the Netherlands. At right-back, Youssouf Sabaly of Real Betis frequently advanced into the final third in possession. Sabaly provided the most expected threat in the match, creating three chances whilst also contributing well defensively.

RB Leipzig’s Abdou Diallo had a more measured approach at left-back, remaining deeper to facilitate Sabaly’s surges forward. When AS Monaco’s Ismail Jakobs replaced Diallo, Jakobs matched Sabaly’s attacking intent, winning all of his duels and helping to progress and gain territory for Senegal. Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy’s involvement in the Netherlands goals was questionable.

Andries Noppert (203cm/6’8”), on the other hand, was comfortable on his international debut. SC Heerenveen’s gigantic goalkeeper handled the occasion superbly, with the only possible criticism being his reluctance to sweep. It was a brave decision from van Gaal to select the uncapped Noppert, with Ajax’s Remko Pasveer and Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow also being solid options with a shout to start.

Louis van Gaal made a huge decision in defence, choosing Matthijs de Ligt over Jurrien Timber. In recent international breaks, Timber’s smart tactical versatility has enabled the Netherlands to exert greater control in possession. However, de Ligt was selected to join Virgil van Dijk and Nathan Aké in the Oranje back three. Steven Berghuis was Frenkie de Jong’s midfield partner, another big call from van Gaal which left Atalanta duo Teun Koopmeiners and Marten de Roon to impact off the bench.