France, the runner-up of the Qatar World Cup, and Netherlands are back in action as they are set to play a crucial game in the UEFA Euro Qualifier. France have made a solid start in the Euro Qualifier, securing five victories out of their five games in Group B. Therefore, they stand at the top of the table with 15 points.
Meanwhile, Netherlands have played one game fewer than France in the UEFA Euro Qualifiers. Playing four matches, they won three and lost one. They are now in 2nd place in the point table with nine points. Today, the Dutches will host France at Johan Cruijff Arena.
Stats & Facts
As France have won five games already, a victory against Netherlands will seal their qualification for the UEFA Euro. But the equation is not easy for the Oranje. They have the same points as Greece and can’t afford to lose points against France. If they lose against France, Greece would have a chance to qualify.
However, France are the dominating side in the head-to-head meeting with Netherlands. They have won 15 of their 20 games against the Oranje in all competitions, while Netherlands won 11 and the remaining three matches ended in a tie.
Their last meeting came in March, where France secured a dominating victory over Netherlands by a 4-0 margin. To date, the Oranje have only won one game against France after winning against them in 2008. Their last victory came in 2018 when Netherlands defeated France in the Nations League.
Team News
Netherland boss Ronald Koeman has to deal with so many injuries ahead of this crucial clash. Dutch striker Cody Gakpo got a serious knock while playing for Liverpool FC. Memphis Depay, one of their main strikers, are also out of the team due to an injury.
The Oranje will miss some of their key defenders as Jurrian Timber and Matthijs de Ligt are unavailable for injury issues. Barca’s midfielder Frankie de Jong is another name who will miss the game for Netherlands against France.
As for France, they will also miss a number of defenders today. Wesley Fofana, Presnel Kimpembe, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde, and Axel Disasi all are out of contention because of their respective injuries.
The Possible Lineup for Netherlands:
Verbruggen; De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, De Roon, Veerman, Blind; Simons, Weghorst, Malen
The Possible Lineup for France:
Maignan; Pavard, Konate, L. Hernandez, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
Prediction: Netherlands 0-2 France
Although the Netherlands are the home side, France have more possibility to win this game. This is because the home team has to play without their primary strikers. Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Giroud, and Griezmann have enough pace to destroy the home team.
Betfair Odds
Netherlands: 3.23
Draw: 3.42
France: 2.27
Get real-time Betfair Odds on BFB247
