Liverpool Star Relishing World Cup Clash Against Teammate After Holland Draw Senegal in Group A

• Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk has revealed the conversation between him and teammate Sadio Mane after qualifying for the World Cup
• Holland have been drawn alongside Senegal, host Qatar and Ecuador in Group A of the World Cup later this year
• The European giants open their tournament with a huge clash against African champions Senegal

Virgil Van Dijk has revealed that the opening game between the Netherlands and Senegal will be a difficult one despite looking forward to facing his Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane.

2010 finalist Holland were paired alongside the African champions in the draw held in Doha last Friday.

The Dutch national team captain will lead his teammates against the African giants in their opening group A match.

"I called Sadio Mané after he qualified for the World Cup and we laughed about being in the same group. It will be difficult. They are the African champions, and I have a lot of respect for him. the Senegal," he said as quoted by Joueurs Senegalais.

Senegal's national football team squad, coach, world rankings, AFCON and nickname

Football

Virgil Van Dijk and Sadio Mane are key players at Liverpool, helping the club win several titles including the English Premier League and the Premier League.

This season, the pair have been instrumental in the Reds quest for a quadrupole in the ongoing season.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp rejects claims of rift between Salah and Mane

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Jurgen Klopp has rejected claims that the relationship between Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane has deteriorated because of their match ups at international level.

Sadio Mane twice led his Senegalese team to success against Mohamed Salah's Egypt, including beating the Pharaohs in the World Cup play-offs in midweek.

Klopp started Salah ahead of Mane in their game against Watford on Saturday, fueling more speculation but the German trainer quickly reacted, insisting the duo have respect for each other.

Ghana to face Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H

Fascinating details about Mali's national football team

Football

Four times African champions, Ghana have been drawn alongside European heavyweights Portugal, former World Champions Uruguay and South Korea.

The Black Stars will open their campaign at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with a blockbuster clash against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

Ghana are appearing at the World Cup for the fourth time after missing the 2018 edition in Russia.