Anticipation might be at an all-time high for players and fans from Poland and Senegal when these matches up Tuesday in Moscow for the final of the first-round group games. It’s been 12 years since Poland played in a World Cup, back when star Robert Lewandowski was about to turn 18. Senegal was last in the World Cup in 2002 – their only other appearance – when their superstar striker Sadio Mane was just ten. So, it’s been a while, and both sides hope the wait was worthwhile. With 2014 World Cup stunners Colombia and potential sleeper Japan also in the mix, Group H has no odds-on favourite. Every match expects to be tense as the fight for positioning will be fierce. It should be a fun ride, and this contest should follow that form.
The Senegal supporters are quite happy to be a part of the World cup. The whole nation is proud of the team. But frankly, the side has to pull out something very strategic in order to defeat a side like Poland. Led by Lewandowski, Piotr Zieliński, Jakub Błaszczykowski and co., many believe this is the best Polish side since the teams of 1974 and 1982 finished third at the World Cup. After a berth in the Euro 2016 quarterfinals and an impressive run through qualifying, expectations are naturally high for the supporters of The White and Reds.
On the other hand, in 2002, Aliou Cisse captained a Senegal team that stunned defending champion France in the group stage en route to a surprise run to the quarterfinals. Cisse is back in the World Cup as Senegal's manager, a position he has held since 2015. The player who will be under the radar in this squad has to be the 20-year old Senegalese striker Ismaïla Sarr. He is blessed with superior speed, Sarr has three international goals since joining the national team in September 2016 and one came during Senegal's qualification run through Africa. He also scored in the recent loss to Croatia.
In a way, if studied carefully then it can be seen that both the teams have enough number of strength and pace in the squad. Who, however, will leave the Spartak cheering, is the biggest question.
