The Netherlands will play the opening match in this year’s World Cup in Qatar against Senegal on November 21.

Oranje will meet Qatar, Senegal and Ecuador in their World Cup campaign after being placed in Group A at Friday’s draw.

Dutch coach Louis van Gaal was not at the draw because he has tested positive for coronavirus but he said afterwards that there was work to be done.

‘These are opponents we know nothing about. At least I don’t, and I assume our analysts don’t either, so they have a lot of work to do in the coming period,’ he said.

‘In 2014 we ended up in the toughest group, with world champions Spain, Chile, which was the number three team in South America at the time, and Australia’s fighting team. Compared to then, this draw is more favourable – even if this time we have to play against the champions of Africa.’

Oranje play Ecuador on November 25 and Qatar on November 29.