Ecuador believe they can hurt the Netherlands as they look to take a huge step towards the knockout rounds by springing another World Cup surprise.
The South American side cruised to victory over hosts Qatar in the tournament opener last Sunday.
A double from Enner Valencia secured a 2-0 win, giving Ecuador the chance to triumph in their opening two matches of a World Cup for the first time since 2006.
Yet their record against European nations suggests that will be a difficult challenge.
Indeed, Ecuador are winless in their last four World Cup games against European sides (D1 L3), scoring just once across those four matches.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last eight World Cup matches against South American sides (W5 D3), since a 3-2 defeat to Brazil in the quarter-finals in 1994, though that run includes a penalty shoot-out loss to Argentina in the 2014 semi-finals.
But, after seeing Argentina stunned by Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Ecuador goalkeeper Hernan Galindez is hopeful Ecuador can throw the form book out the window and take control of Group A.
"I think that Argentina's defeat will not be the last surprise of this World Cup," said Galindez.
"Despite the victory of the Netherlands, they were evenly matched against Senegal. There are certainly ways to hurt the Netherlands.
"It will be a tough match, but I expect the Netherlands to approach us with respect."
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk agreed with Galindez's assessment of the Oranje's performance in a 2-0 win over Senegal, in which he saw plenty of room for improvement.
"Going forward we sometimes tried to force things, and we too often left ourselves exposed to Senegal's counter-attacks," he told NOS.
"That is an area in which we will need to improve because it is an art that our next opponents, Ecuador, are very good at.
"But I am optimistic because I feel we are going to get better."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Netherlands - Cody Gakpo
PSV star Gakpo is the subject of speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League and his goalscoring start to the tournament will only have increased his admirers.
He has been involved in four goals in his last four games for the Netherlands in all competitions (3 goals, 1 assist), twice as many as in his first six appearances for the national side (1 goal, 1 assist).
Ecuador - Pervis Estupinan
Arguably Ecuador's best creative outlet will come from defence. Left-back Estupinan created the most chances (22) in CONMEBOL qualifying and played more passes into the final third (19) than any other player in their dominant opening win over Qatar.
PREDICTION
These two teams have never met in competitive action, the Oranje winning one of their two previous friendlies, and Stats Perform's supercomputer anticipates the Netherlands will be able to begin to start thinking about the knockouts with victory in this one.
Van Gaal's men are given a 54.1 per cent chance of prevailing compared to 20.8 for Ecuador and 25.1 per cent for the draw.
Gareth Bale insisted any political statement from Wales would take place "outside of the game" as manager Rob Page suggested Germany lost focus during the OneLove armband saga.
Wales and Germany were two of the teams set to support the OneLove campaign, which promotes "inclusion and sends a message against discrimination of any kind".
But FIFA threatened sporting sanctions – expected to be yellow cards – if their captains wore armbands carrying the logo, prompting those involved to back down.
Germany responded with a unique protest, covering their mouths for a pre-match team photo against Japan in reference to FIFA "denying us a voice".
However, Germany then lost to Japan in a result that puts them at risk of elimination already.
Die Mannschaft coach Hansi Flick insisted after Wednesday's match the demonstration could not be used as an excuse, but Bale hinted at it in his news conference the following day, while Page openly cited Germany's example.
"We weren't too happy about not being able to wear it with the sanctions that would have been put in place," Bale said.
"I know people said I should have worn it, but I would have been sent off after about 25 minutes. Of course we support it, but we're here to play football at the same time.
"Just by not wearing the armband doesn't mean we don't support it. We're all for equality, and we're always trying to do the right thing, trying to create that awareness.
"In terms of doing something else, I guess when teams try to do something else and the result doesn't go the right way, they get criticised for not concentrating on the football.
"For us, now the tournament's started, we really need to concentrate on the football for ourselves. But outside of the game, if there's anything we can do to raise awareness or support, we'll definitely do that."
Page said: "We've got campaigns going on that we're fully supportive of as an association and as a Welsh government.
"I want my players to focus fully on playing games of football and winning games. I'm sure Germany now, in hindsight, would probably have the same message."
Page, who confirmed Joe Allen was fit for Friday's meeting with Iran, was full of praise for Bale as he prepares to break Wales' caps record.
"I think it's gone to another level overnight again with what he's done," the Wales boss said of his captain, who netted their equaliser against the United States.
"He admits himself it probably wasn't one of his better games over the 90 minutes, but when you need him, he delivers for you.
"If you wanted anybody in a pressurised situation to get a late equaliser, it would be Gareth Bale taking that penalty.
"He's done it time and time again for us. When we needed the win against Austria, he delivers goals, against Ukraine, he's the one to step up to take the free-kick to get us to the finals.
"He deserves all the credit he's getting at the moment."
Bale added: "I've not really focused too much on the cap thing, to be honest.
"Thinking about it now, it's an amazing achievement, an honour to represent my country so many times.
"But it's more important we try to get the victory tomorrow. Hopefully we can and make it even more special."
New Zealand face a test of their ODI strength against 2023 World Cup hosts India – and they must do so without a mainstay in Martin Guptill.
Veteran opener Guptill, who has played 198 ODIs, has followed in the footsteps of fellow experienced stars Trent Boult and Colin de Grandhomme in seeking a release from his New Zealand Cricket contract.
That has been granted, and while Guptill insists he remains available for international duty as he seeks playing opportunities elsewhere, he will play no part in the series that starts on Friday.
The Black Caps return to their Eden Park stronghold for game one of a three-match series. They have won six of their last seven men's ODIs at the Auckland ground, including a 22-run victory against India in their last match at the venue, in February 2020.
New Zealand swept that series 3-0, but the last time they won back-to-back ODI series against India was when they prevailed in 1976 and 1981.
These are two of the titans of the ODI game, likely to be major contenders come the World Cup next October and November.
India have won seven of their last eight multi-game bilateral ODI series, including five in a row since losing 3-0 to South Africa at the start of this year, while New Zealand's recent run of four series successes was ended with a 3-0 loss to Australia in September.
New Zealand have not lost back-to-back ODI series since October 2017, when they were beaten 2-1 by India. Guptill featured then but sits this one out, and it remains to be seen whether he will be back, with 23-year-old Finn Allen preferred for now.
Home captain Kane Williamson said of Guptill on Thursday: "He's made a decision to explore a few other options, but as a player and as an experienced member of the group, he's added so much value over the years and been one of our best white-ball players ever.
"[He] absolutely will be missed, but he is not retired, so there's a lot to keep working through over the next period to get a real feel for how the picture looks."
India are under-strength, with captain Rohit Sharma leading the absentees, who also include Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah. Shikhar Dhawan captains the tourists.
New Zealand seek to avenge soggy setback in T20s
India won the three-match T20 series between these sides by a 1-0 margin after the first game was abandoned without a ball being bowled, and the third was called a tie on Duckworth-Lewis-Stern rules after rain arrived when it was evenly poised.
It has to be hoped the wet weather stays away this time, with Williamson one game away from equalling Daniel Vettori (82) for the second-most appearances as captain for New Zealand in men's ODIs.
Only Stephen Fleming, away and clear with 218 games as captain, has led the Black Caps more often.
India must prepare well for Bracewell
New Zealand batter Michael Bracewell has hit 17 boundaries (10 fours, seven sixes) during the death overs (41st to 50th) in men's ODIs in 2022, more than any other player from a Test-playing country this year.
If it comes to the crunch and Bracewell is at the wicket, New Zealand will fancy their chances.
Cristiano Ronaldo was named in Portugal's starting XI for their World Cup opener against Ghana at Stadium 974 in Doha.
After his inflammatory interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo left Manchester United by mutual agreement on Tuesday.
That means the 37-year-old is a free agent, and if he needs to remind anyone of his qualities ahead of the January transfer window, he has the chance to do so in Qatar.
Fernando Santos saw no issue in bringing Ronaldo into his team for Portugal's first Group F game on Thursday, with the striker spearheading an attack that also included Porto winger Otavio and Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix.
Ronaldo is aiming to become the first player to score at five different World Cups.
In an attacking-looking XI, Ruben Neves took up a holding midfield role, behind Bernardo Silva and Ronaldo's now ex-United club-mate, Bruno Fernandes.
Veteran campaigner Pepe was left on the bench, with Danilo preferred as Ruben Dias' partner, while Joao Cancelo and Raphael Guerreiro completed the defence ahead of goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Having switched allegiance from Spain, Inaki Williams led the line for Ghana, with Arsenal's Thomas Partey anchoring a four-man midfield that also included Andre Ayew and Mohammed Kudus, who has impressed for Ajax this season and has this week compared himself to Brazil star Neymar.
Ghana captain Ayew will have appeared in more World Cup matches (eight) than any current player for African nations once the game kicks off.
Tommy Freeman headlines the changes to England's clash with world champions South Africa at Twickenham this weekend, as Eddie Jones makes four swaps.
After mounting a famous late comeback to secure a 25-25 draw last time out with New Zealand, the hosts have made a handful of alterations for their meeting with the Springboks.
Freeman, a star performer during England's tour of Australia earlier this year, has only recently returned from a foot injury, and takes the spot of Jack Nowell.
Mako Vunipola, Alex Coles and Jamie George meanwhile all come into the side, with Luke Cowan-Dickie, Sam Simmonds and Ellis Genge dropping to the bench.
Jack van Poortvliet meanwhile keeps his berth in the halves alongside Marcus Smith, while Owen Farrell will skipper the side at centre for Jones' men.
South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber meanwhile makes four swaps himself, with three enforced by players returning to their clubs as Saturday's game falls outside the international Test window
Cheslin Kolbe, Andre Esterhuizen, and Jasper Wiese are all out as they head back to domestic commitments, with Salmaan Moerat also omitted from the side that beat Italy.
Experienced pair Makazole Mapimpi and Eben Etzebeth both return to the fold in their place, joined by Jesse Kriel and Evan Roos.
England team: Freddie Steward, Tommy Freeman, Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell, Jonny May, Marcus Smith, Jack van Poortvliet; Mako Vunipola, Jamie George, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, Jonny Hill, Alex Coles, Tom Curry, Billy Vunipola.
Replacements: Luke Cowan-Dickie, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, David Ribbans, Sam Simmonds, Ben Youngs, Henry Slade, Jack Nowell.
South Africa team: Willie le Roux, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Damian Willemse, Faf de Klerk; Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Marvin Orie, Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Evan Roos.
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Thomas du Toit, Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, Jaden Hendrikse, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie.
Son Heung-min's inclusion failed to inspire South Korea as his side played out a disappointing 0-0 draw with Uruguay in World Cup Group H.
Son's participation had been in doubt in the build-up after the Tottenham striker fractured an eye socket in the Champions League clash with Marseille on November 1.
He was declared fit, aided by a facemask, but, a few nice touches aside, failed to impact the game the way coach Paulo Bento would have liked - and it could have been much worse for the Asian side had Federico Valverde's late piledriver gone in rather than rattled the post.
Valverde's effort was a rare moment of inspiration for Uruguay as Darwin Nunez and Luis Suarez toiled with both teams adopting a safety-first approach, wary of losing their opening game and putting their qualification hopes at risk.
Hwang Ui-jo had South Korea's best chance, firing over the bar from eight yards after 34 minutes, while Diego Godin also struck the woodwork for Uruguay.
The long ball from the left-side of defence to the right-wing appeared Uruguay's greatest attacking weapon in the early stages and it produced two chances in the space of three minutes.
From the first, Valverde took down Jose Gimenez’s pass and fired left-footed over the top, and shortly afterwards, another Gimenez pass was nodded back across goal by Facundo Pellistri but Nunez missed his kick from six yards out.
South Korea were neat and industrious but lacked a cutting edge. And when they did carve out an opening, it was promptly squandered, Hwang missing he target after Kim Moon-hwan had escaped down the right.
The best chance of the opening half came after 43 minutes when Godin rose highest to meet Valverde’s corner but placed his header against the left-hand upright with Korea keeper Kim Seung-gyu beaten.
The second period lacked any attacking cohesion, although the few chances that were created fell the way of Uruguay.
Nunez saw a low cross, intended for Suarez, palmed away by Kim Seung-gyu, substitute Edinson Cavani had a shot blocked by the sliding challenge of Kim Min-jae while, 10 minutes from time, Nunez curled an effort wide from the edge of the box.
The best moment came in the last minute of normal time, however, Valverde lining one up from 30 yards and crashing his shot against the woodwork.
Thirteen persons trained as boxing officials graduated from an intensive three-week course at the G.C Foster College on Tuesday and some are set to get their first jobs on a 10 fight-card to be staged this Friday under the Jamaica Boxing Board’s Gloves Over Guns initiative.
Twenty applicants had enrolled in the course that ran from October 13 to November 5. However, six men and seven women completed the course. It was the first time that this many women were being trained as boxing officials in Jamaica.
"We covered the duties and responsibilities of referees and judges. We looked at things the referee should do before the bout, during the bout and after the bout,” said Kevin Stupart, AIBA certified instructor, who conducted the course.
“The reason we broke that down into three segments was for ease and simplicity in terms of teaching it and letting them understand the different fundamentals as it relates to boxing officiating."
Toniann Lindsay, one of the graduates expressed her satisfaction at being able to complete the intensive course.
"I wanted to be one that passed. I didn't want to be come through and drop out because it wasn't just 13 of us that started the course but 13 of us finished strong,” she said.
“We learned a lot in this course. We learned the roles and responsibilities of both being a judge and a referee. It was a very interesting course and I am so elated to be here right now at this ceremony collecting my certificate. (I) look forward to Friday as we will also be displaying what we have learnt. I just want to thank everyone who made this possible."
Jamaica Boxing Board President Stephen 'Bomber' Jones and Chester McCarthy, Athletic Director at GC Foster College both welcomed the first cohort of trainees.
“This will first of all allow us to have more activity on the same evening or closer bouts, week to week as we are looking to have closer bouts now,” Jones remarked.
“It will open our minds, expand our thinking as we try and get into high school boxing where we could have officials at multiple venues. Now that we have 13 officials graduating, its huge. The graduates are very excited. They are young, enthusiastic and they are willing to work so starting from this Friday they will be in the ring.”
McCarthy, meanwhile, expressed similar sentiments.
"I am extremely elated for the primary reason that this is the first time in five or six years that we have been able to train a fresh set of officials for boxing here in Jamaica,” he said.
It’s an extremely good feeling to have partnered with the Jamaica Boxing Association to train these youngsters."
Come Friday, there will be nine amateur fights and a professional fight between Jermaine 'Breezy' Richards and Mason 'Common Fowl' Brown.
Eden Hazard has told Germany's players to stick to the football rather than protesting after Hansi Flick's men fell to a shock 2-1 loss against Japan in their Qatar 2022 opener.
Germany's starting line-up covered their mouths in protest during their pre-match team photo on Wednesday over FIFA's response to the OneLove campaign.
Football's governing body warned any teams that backed the anti-discrimination initiative faced sanctions, including a yellow card for captains who sported OneLove armbands.
However, Die Mannschaft warmed up for the Japan match wearing training shirts featuring rainbow-coloured trim in another apparent show of support for LGBTQ+ rights.
While the stance of the Germany players was widely praised, Belgium and Real Madrid forward Hazard believes they should leave non-footballing matters for others.
"They lost the match," Hazard told reporters. "They would have been better off not doing it and winning.
"We're here to play football. I'm not here to pass on a political message, there are people who are better placed for that. We want to concentrate on the football."
Germany and Belgium were two of seven European teams that had planned to wear the specially designed armbands in Qatar, where same-sex relationships are criminalised.
Asked about his own stance on the issue, and whether he would have liked to have shown his support, Hazard said: "I'm not at ease talking about it. I'm here to play football.
"We were kind of forbidden from... I didn't want to start the match with a yellow card; it would have been annoying for the rest of the tournament.
"If I were to redo it, maybe I would wear it."
Quickfire late goals from Ritsu Doan and fellow substitute Takuma Asano gave Japan victory over Germany after Ilkay Gundogan had opened the scoring from the penalty spot.
Belgium dodged an upset in their opening group match, meanwhile, as Michy Batshuayi's strike earned them a 1-0 win over Canada at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium.
Gregg Berhalter is not speaking to Gareth Southgate – or at least Southgate is not speaking to Berhalter – but the United States head coach knows the huge pressure his England counterpart is under.
Berhalter and Southgate have grown close in recent years as they have led their countries' respective national teams, with the USMNT boss describing Southgate as a "mentor" after the two sides were drawn together at the World Cup.
The outcome of that draw has seen the pair drift apart of late, however, ahead of a meeting between the USMNT and England at Al Bayt Stadium on Friday.
"I've been WhatsApping him, but I haven't seen the blue checkmarks, so I don't know what's going on," Berhalter said with a smile on Thursday.
"We kind of took a hiatus. We'll pick up our relationship after tomorrow."
Berhalter has led the United States back to the World Cup after the disappointment of missing out on qualification for Russia 2018, where England excelled.
Southgate had taken charge of the Three Lions not long after their own darkest hour, a Euro 2016 defeat to Iceland.
"When he first took over, it was very similar to the position I first took over, trying to reshape the identity of the team, refocus, work with a younger group of players. In that case, it's very similar," Berhalter added.
Yet there is a difference between the situations the two men find themselves in, with the USMNT coach noting the reaction to a testing Nations League campaign for England.
"Following some of the things the last months, the pressure in the English media – or in England, in general – is tremendous, and that's different," Berhalter said.
"These guys [the media] give me a hard time every once in a while, but I don't think it's of the magnitude that Gareth gets it.
"We all know this is a results-orientated business and we're all accountable for the results we get on the field, but he's done a great job.
"You've heard me say this for the last year and a half: his record in major tournaments has been outstanding, and there's no denying that – fourth-placed finish in 2018, second-placed finish at the Euros.
"He's done a great job with this team, and they got off to a great start. They're a formidable opponent. It's going to be a difficult game for us."
Cameroon coach Rigobert Song made no secret of his pride in Breel Embolo despite the Switzerland forward scoring the winning goal against his birth nation at the World Cup on Thursday.
Embolo's second-half strike from Xherdan Shaqiri's cross proved decisive as Switzerland won 1-0 at Al Janoub Stadium, giving Switzerland a victorious start to their Group G campaign.
The goal was even more notable due to the fact Embolo was born in Cameroon but represents Switzerland after spending much of his childhood there.
Despite not choosing to play for the nation of his birth, Embolo retains links to the country and Song revealed the pair share a strong personal relationship.
As such, Song felt a degree of pride in seeing Embolo prevail on Thursday.
Asked if he had preferred Embolo to have played for Cameroon, Song told reporters: "Yes, but that's the nature of the game.
"We are all proud of our country, you saw he didn't celebrate his goal. But again this [players representing other countries] is part and parcel of football.
"I'm happy for him and proud of him. Because he's playing for the Switzerland team, yes I'd have liked him on my side, but that's not the way it went. That's just the way of life.
"For us the most important thing is how we played, rather than who scored against us."
Song and Embolo shared a warm embrace at full-time, with the former explaining it was important to greet the Monaco player as a show of respect.
"We know each other, he's my little brother, I'm like the big brother, we've often spoken on the phone as well," Song said.
"I wanted to congratulate him, it's fair play. Because we are from the same family [country] but on different teams, it doesn't mean we are not going to be on good terms.
"He had a good game, I wanted to tell him. I'm not going to be a sore loser, we're still brothers at the end of the day."
Switzerland boss Murat Yakin was less forthcoming than Song in general as he addressed the media afterwards, but he did express a hint of pleasure in the narrative behind Embolo's goal.
"We know his story, his past in Cameroon," he added. "Well, you can be friendly up to kick-off and then they are your opponents.
"[Embolo's story] is football, it's writing history, these stories. Of course, he wants to score for his team and he fulfilled his task, so we are very happy. He had good moments through the match. He fulfilled his task well."
Switzerland face Brazil next on Monday, while Cameroon will hope to bounce back against Serbia the same day – another defeat will see them equal Mexico's all-time record for the most successive World Cup losses (nine).
The United States are not intimidated by a World Cup meeting with England, but then Tyler Adams insists he is not intimidated by anything – except spiders.
USA on Friday face an England team full of confidence after their biggest win in a major tournament opener against Iran.
However, a repeat of that 6-2 success seems unlikely against their next opponents, who are unbeaten in two World Cup matches against the Three Lions.
And USMNT captain Adams spoke a good game on the eve of the match at Al Bayt Stadium, approaching the encounter with a positive attitude.
"England's still a big team at the end of the day," he said. "But intimidation factor? I wouldn't say there's many things out there that intimidate me, other than spiders.
"It's fine for me to have the opportunity to play against all these big players. I've done it before.
"We want to show what we're capable of and that US soccer is growing and developing in the right way."
Adams added: "I think England are currently one of the favourites to win the World Cup. I think that in a lot of games people would probably say we're the underdogs.
"But we carry that with pride. It doesn't mean anything to us, to be underdogs, to be favourites, to be anything.
"We have to stay disciplined to what we do every single day, train well, perform in the games and show up. We know that our quality can show and our determination can show.
"That being said, when we step on the field against England, we have to be prepared or a win is not possible."
Despite his optimism – and the United States' past success in this fixture, beating England at the 1950 World Cup – Adams appreciates how significant a win would be.
"I think it's a huge opportunity to fast-track the impact we can have," he said.
"These are the games, where [it is] a high-pressure, privileged moment to step on the field against some of these guys.
"We respect them – I think there's mutual respect between both teams – and when you get a result in a game like this, people start to respect Americans a little bit more."
The Netherlands might not have the standout stars they had at the 2014 World Cup, but Louis van Gaal thinks the overall quality of his squad in Qatar is better.
Van Gaal, who was in typically good humour as he previewed the Netherlands' game against Ecuador, led the Dutch to the semi-finals eight years ago.
Memphis Depay, Daley Blind and Stefan de Vrij are the only players who featured in Van Gaal's squad in 2014, with the rest of the Oranje's selection in Qatar being World Cup debutants.
Although their squad lacks the leading lights of Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben that Van Gaal had at his disposal in Brazil, the Netherlands coach thinks his squad of 2022 has more to offer across the board.
With Germany and Argentina losing their first matches, there is the possibility of the draw opening up, and Van Gaal sees no reason why his team cannot capitalise.
"I didn't see all the matches, but the fact that Germany and Argentina lost is somewhat telling, but I always say it's easier to defend than it is attack," he said in a press conference.
"I heard that Germany missed a lot of chances and then they lose. This has got to do with team discipline. This is why I say this group is great.
"They're the ones who have to put it into practice, execute my instructions for 90 minutes. If they don't perform as well, you put in the next player who will do his utmost.
"We have an average quality higher than 2014. I'm not talking about the top players we had at the time, perhaps Memphis is at that level and might reach that level, and Frenkie de Jong perhaps.
"But then the matches were decided by players like Van Persie, Robben and Sneijder. That's just the way it was.
"Now in our squad we have a much higher average. Forwards like Memphis, [Steven] Bergwijn, [Cody] Gakpo. I hope that will be a pleasant surprise."
Depay only featured as a substitute against Senegal on Monday, with the Barcelona forward recovering from an injury and lack of game time at club level.
Van Gaal is unsure if the 28-year-old will be fit to start against Ecuador.
"With Memphis, he was training in Amsterdam and that was individual," he added. "Now he needs to train with the team.
"We've increased intensity, he's played 30 minutes now. He isn't grappling too much with the issues. We're proceeding with the next step, which is 45 minutes.
"We're trying to extend that, because the injury he has makes it so difficult to decide when he can start.
"He's quite an extraordinary player, so I've set aside my principles because I consider him incredibly important."
With Gakpo and Davy Klaassen scoring in the win over Senegal, the Netherlands had two different players score in their first World Cup appearance for the first time since Wim Jonk and Gaston Taument did so against Saudi Arabia in 1994.
Depay is the only player to score in both of his first two World Cup games for the Netherlands, though Van Gaal feels PSV forward Gakpo, who is enjoying a fine season, has what it takes to become a superstar.
"He is a player with a lot of talent and potential, but he is young, and he's a player that's still developing, he has a lot of room for improvement," Van Gaal said.
"He's a personality to do whatever it takes. It is possible that he can become a star."
Senegal's forwards need to step up in Sadio Mane's absence if the Lions of Teranga are going to progress in the World Cup, says Aliou Cisse.
Bayern Munich forward Mane was ruled out of the tournament after suffering a fibula injury.
The former Liverpool star is Senegal's talisman, and was crucial to their Africa Cup of Nations success earlier in 2022.
In his absence, Senegal turned in a spirited display against the Netherlands in their opening Group A game on Monday, yet fell to a 2-0 defeat.
This was despite mustering a higher expected goals (xG) total than their opponents (0.9 to 0.7) and having more shots (15 to 10).
With hosts Qatar next up at Al Thumama Stadium, head coach Cisse has demanded more from his forwards, particularly Ismaila Sarr and Diatta.
Cisse said: "We are disappointed, we had two or three very good chances [against the Netherlands].
"We needed to be more effective. Ismaila and Krepin are responsible there, but of course, the absence of Mane is a problem for us. Our attackers are good and we know what they are capable of.
"We need to work on it, with Ismaila and the others. We expect a lot from him and Krepin."
Qatar also suffered a 2-0 defeat in their opening match, going down to Ecuador.
They did not register a shot on target in that match. Since 1966, the only side to fail to land a single shot on target in consecutive World Cup games is the United States, doing so against the Czech Republic and Italy in the 2006 edition.
"There's no excuse, we want to congratulate our opponents, they deserved to win," said coach Felix Sanchez.
"There is a lot of room for improvement. Maybe the responsibility and nerves got the best of us. We didn't start well. It was a terrible start."
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Qatar – Akram Afif
Qatar failed to deliver in the tournament opener, but in Akram Afif they have a quality forward who could turn the game in their favour.
Afif created only one chance against Ecuador, and Qatar need to find a way to get him into the game more this time out.
Senegal – Ismaila Sarr
Sarr had more shots (three) and created more chances (four) than any other Senegal player against the Netherlands, with the Watford attacker involved in 47 per cent of their total attempts in the match (7/15).
With his coach's words no doubt ringing in his ears, Sarr will be determined to prove he can cut it in Mane's absence.
PREDICTION
Senegal are the favourites for this one, according to Opta, who give the Africa Cup of Nations champions a 59.1 per cent chance of victory.
The draw is given a 24 per cent chance, with the likelihood of a Qatar win only 16.9 per cent.
Sometimes, one Kim is just not enough.
South Korea certainly thought so after naming an entire defence with the surname of Kim for their World Cup Group H opener against Uruguay on Thursday. If that wasn't enough, their goalkeeper was also called Kim!
Kim Seung-gyu will don the gloves, while the back four comprises Kim Jin-su, Kim Min-jae, Kim Moon-hwan and Kim Young-gwon.
To confuse observers further, the line-up also included two Hwangs! Pity the commentators!
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