World Cup warm up: Poland and Senegal look to emerge as dark horses

Four years ago in Brazil, Costa Rica pulled off a shock and beat Uruguay, Italy and England to top spot in Group D. Rewind to the 2010 World Cup and USA won their group. Mexico have already put down a claim to be this summer’s dark horse after stunning reigning champions Germany at the weekend, but Poland and Senegal will have other ideas on Tuesday.

The first round of group matches at the 2018 World Cup are almost finished and you could hardly pick out a favourite at this stage. Pre-tournament favourites Germany, Spain and Brazil have all dropped points, while France underwhelmed in a 2-1 win over Australia.

Mexico and Croatia have arguably turned in the most impressive performances to date and Poland and Senegal will hope to throw their name in the hat as this summer’s dark horse when they face off in Moscow on Tuesday afternoon.

Prior to this summer, Poland qualified for just two of the last seven World Cups and failed to make it out of the group stages on both occasions. For Senegal, meanwhile, this summer will mark only their second ever participation at a World Cup finals.

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Previous failing should not dampen spirits in either camp, however. Both teams have immense talent and have been drawn in a group that should enhance their chances of making the knockout stages.

Robert Lewandowski will hope to inspire Poland this summer, while Senegal’s main man is undeniably Sadio Mane. Both have enjoyed good seasons for their clubs and will hope to transition that form into this summer’s World Cup in Russia.

Lewandowski finished last season as the Bundesliga’s top scorer for the third time in the last five years (29 goals), while also finishing qualification for the World Cup as the top scoring European (16).

Senegal will hope that Mane is over the disappointment of Liverpool’s defeat in last month’s Champions League final, in which the 26-year-old scored Liverpool’s only goal. Mane scored as many goals in the Champions League as he did in the Premier League last season (10), illustrating his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

The Lions of Teranga realise their best chance of succeeding this summer is to make Mane the heartbeat of everything going forward and it’s for that reason why Aliou Cisse is expected to deploy the Liverpool star in a central position, with the pace of Ismalia Sarr and M’Baye Niang flanking either side.

Neither side are completely reliant on the aforementioned duo but both teams will look to their star men for a moment of inspiration in what should be a very competitive contest. Defeat is not the end of the world for either side, but they will both appreciate a win will go a long way in determining what sort of World Cup campaign they have. 

Writer Predictions:

Martin Laurence: Poland 2-2 Senegal

Ben McAleer: Poland 1-2 Senegal

Josh Wright: Poland 0-1 Senegal