2018 FIFA WORLD CUP

2018 FIFA WORLD CUP – Poland vs Senegal PREVIEW



Poland and Senegal are very evenly matched sides and we should expect an entertaining game. The two main stars on show Lewandowski and Mane love to score goals and are two of the more exciting players on show in footballing world. Both teams are going to be aiming to go far in the world cup and both of them are with a chance to advance from the group. We can expect an entertaining game for sure and we may finally see some more goals, so here’s a preview about the teams.

POLAND

This is Poland’s first world cup in 12 years and it’s a world cup where the expectations are high. Coming off a very good European tournament 2 years ago where they reached the Quarters and just lost on penalties to eventual champions Portugal, Poland have shown that they are no joke and have a very good team and although led by Lewandowski, they have other players who can change the game. Poland have been playing solid football since the Euros and have qualified for this world cup in good form. Poland have had some great world cups in their history, however its been quite a while since they advanced further than the group stages. Their main man as I’ve is Lewandowski, but there are other players to watch out for being Zielinski and Milik. Two players who have been impactful for Napoli, Milik finished the season very strong and Zielinski had a decent season all around. Poland do love to play attacking football, just look at their results over the past few years, they score for fun it seems, but at the back they do have problems and Senegal could expose that in this game. Overall Poland are a very good side that has a high potential at the tournament, they’re in great shape and led by Lewandowski I expect them to show out. Their defence will probably be leaky as usual which is a great thing for neutral because Poland games should be entertaining with lots of goals.

Poland had a very impressive qualifying campaign. They had to face Denmark, Montenegro, Romania, Armenia and Kazakhstan. That was not an easy group, but Poland made quick work of it. After being shocked in the opening game drawing 2-2 with Kazakhstan, Poland bounced back with 6 straight wins gaining an edge over everyone. They had a shocking 4-0 loss to Denmark, but other than the two results mentioned, Poland won the other 8 games while playing fantastic football. Poland overall scored 28 goals in 10 games and Lewandowski hit an incredible 16 goals. Poland had a leaky defence conceding 14 goals, but their attack bailed them out many times. Some impressive wins include smashing Armenia away from home 1-6, a 3-2 win against Denmark, 0-3 win away at Romania and beating Montenegro 4-2. They were scoring for fun against good sides and won the group with 25 points out of 30 topping it by 5 points over Denmark.

Just before the world cup, Poland played against Chile and Lithuania. They had a disappointing 2-2 draw with a depleted Chile side and beat Lithuania 4-0. They continued to show good goal scoring form, but still were leaky at the back against Chile. Don’t really know what to make of the Lithuania game because Lithuania are simply terrible at football and they don’t compare to any good teams that Poland will have to face, it was a good practice for them in that 4-0 win. Poland will need to sure up at the back for sure because every team they face have attacking talent and will punish them, however Poland’s attack will be very exciting and their games should be entertaining. Senegal as an opening game will be a very tough test because they’re similar level to Poland.

SENEGAL

This is their second world cup. The first time they qualified was in 2002 and they were one of the biggest surprises in the tournament reaching the quarter finals, beating holders France and just losing out to Turkey on golden goal. Senegal will be looking to have similar success this year and they do have a team to do so. Senegal’s main man Sadio Mane is one of the better attacking players in Europe playing for Liverpool and is coming of a great season scoring in the Champions League Final. Senegal have an all around very well balanced side they’re solid in every position. At the back Senegal have one of the best defenders in the world in Koulibaly whose also a threat during set pieces. Furthermore looking at Senegal their midfield is not bad either with players like Kouyate, N’Diaye, Gueye who are all good players playing for Premier League clubs and finally Senegal have quick wingers who can burn teams with their pace. Senegal’s weakness would be the lack of tournament experience, this is the first world cup for all of these players and they’ve never been on a stage like this. They don’t lack talent in positions, but that lack of experience could always cost them. I’d expect Senegal to make it out of the group however because there’s a lot of talent here. I’d say they’re a dark horse and can beat anybody.

Senegal beat Madagascar in the first round of qualifiers beating them 5-2 on aggregate, drawing the first game 2-2, but then taking care of business at home winning 3-0. In the final round of the qualifiers Senegal faced Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and South Africa in the group stage and they dominated it. Senegal went unbeaten winning 4 and drawing 2. Senegal topped the group by 5 points. Their biggest strength was lack of goals conceded which proves my point that they’re a solid defensive side and they did score some goals too. It was an all around solid qualifying campaign from Senegal with full of promise.

During their three friendlies, Senegal gradually improved. In the first game they had a shocking draw against Luxembourg but Mane did not play in that game. In the second game Senegal lost 2-1 to Croatia, they had the lead but blew it however there’s no shame in losing to Croatia who are a very good side and are a dark horse of the tournament themselves. In the final friendly Senegal beat South Korea 2-0 where they looked the best. This gradual improvement in performance is promising from Senegal and they will look to continuously improve in the tournament. Poland will be a tough opponent but Senegal will be confident they can win, we could argue that Senegal have a better all around side and have more of a chance to snuff out Poland’s attack than Poland have to snuff Senegal’s. Will be an interesting game.

What to Expect From The Game

We can expect a quick, attacking football in this game. Poland love to bomb forward, Senegal have quick, dangerous wingers. It’s highly unlikely that any team will be on the front foot, it should be an even game between these sides. Senegal do have a more organised side, but Poland are very good themselves. Players like Mane, Lewandowski, Koulibaly, Zielinski will be expected to put in the best performances. Poland are slightly favoured to win the game, but we cant underestimate Senegal. It’s a 50/50 game and a winner would take a huge step forward in advancing to the next round. Both teams will be looking for a win. A draw seems like the most realistic result here.

ODDS – Decimal (WilliamHill)

Poland Win – 2.30

Draw – 2.90

Senegal Win – 3.50

KICK OFF – 19th June 2018 – 4pm UK Time