Senegal

Group H: Senegal – World Cup Betting Odds & Tips

After a 16-year absence, Senegal will be looking to spring a surprise when they travel to Russia for the 2018 World Cup.

Les Lions de la Teranga have only appeared at one World Cup and that was back in 2002. They made history in South Korea and Japan and several members of their squad secured moves to Europe.

Winger El-Hadji Diouf scored nine goals as his team reached the quarter-finals and they recorded an incredible win over France in their first game. Diouf, Salif Diao and Henri Camara all secured moves to Europe and their latest generation of players will be hoping to produce similar results.

Under former player Aliou Cisse, they breezed through qualifying and finished top of Group D to confirm their place in Russia. Cape Verde, South Africa and Burkina Faso proved no challenge for Senegal and Cisse’s side are now 23rd in the world rankings.

They open their campaign with a game against Poland, before facing Japan and Colombia in Group H.

Senegal are 5.50 to win the group and the form of Liverpool’s Sadio Mane will be crucial to their success. The 25-year-old burst onto the scene in 2014 when he moved to Southampton but his £34million move to Liverpool in 2016 put him on the world scene.

His strength and pace will cause problems for defences this summer and he will look to win his 50th cap during the tournament.

Fans of the Serie A will know that Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Lazio’s Keita Balde can compete on the world stage while West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and Everton’s Idrissa Gueye will provide a solid spine to the team.