World Cup Group A: Dutch to dominate as hosts suffer

Senegal’s second World Cup appearance came four years ago in Russia when they managed four points but went out on fair play points after finishing with an identical record to Japan.

Their hopes suffered a major setback in the build-up to the tournament though when Sadio Mane was ruled out due to injury. The Bayern Munich man was undoubtedly their star player and played a major role in February’s African Cup of Nations success. Now his team-mates must show what they can do without him.

Sadio Mane scored the decisive penalty for Senegal to book their place at the World Cup at the expense of Mo Salah's Egypt 😬 pic.twitter.com/HZ2anDNnlE

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 30, 2022

Ecuador

Ecuador had never qualified for the World Cup until 2002 but are now making their fourth appearance at the finals.

On each previous appearance they have managed at least one win in their group but failed to progress in 2002 and 2014, while in 2006 they were runners-up behind Germany before losing 1-0 to England in the round of 16.

Ranked 44th in the world, they finished fourth in South American qualifying when home draws with Brazil and Argentina showed they deserve respect but two wins out of nine on their travels highlighted their limitations.

Former West Ham forward Enner Valencia is now the country’s all-time leading goal scorer and will have a key role to play.

Qatar

Qatar are appearing at the World Cup as tournament hosts and would almost certainly not have qualified on their own merit.

They are not complete pushovers and have beaten Bulgaria and Guatemala this year, as well as drawing with the likes of Chile, Jamaica, Slovenia and Egypt.

It will be a surprise if they are not the whipping boys of Group A though and 4/1 for them to lose all three matches looks a better bet than anything more positive.

The stars of #AlAnnabi 🇶🇦⭐️#AllForAlAnnabi#ForTheLoveOfQatarpic.twitter.com/9pQIN0yco6

— Qatar Football Association (@QFA_EN) October 29, 2022

World Cup Group A fixtures

Nov 20: Qatar v Ecuador, 4pm, Al Bayt Stadium, BBC

Nov 21: Senegal v Netherlands, 10am, Al Thumama Stadium, ITV

Nov 25: Qatar v Senegal, 1pm, Al Thumama Stadium, BBC

Nov 25: Netherlands v Ecuador, 4pm, Khalifa International Stadium, ITV

Nov 29: Netherlands v Qatar, 3pm, Al Bayt Stadium, ITV

Nov 29: Ecuador v Senegal, 3pm, Khalifa International Stadium, ITV

World Cup Group A winner odds

8/15 Netherlands

9/2 Ecuador

9/2 Senegal

12/1 Qatar

Odds to qualify

1/10 Netherlands

10/11 Senegal

10/11 Ecuador

7/2 Qatar

View the latest World Cup odds

All odds and markets correct at the date of publication