France are the new rulers of the footballing work. And when you’re at the top, everyone wants to kick you off your throne. Netherlands surely want to beat the world champions, which is why we can expect a very interesting duel on Sunday evening at the Stade de France in Paris. If you’re planning to bet on this game, first make sure to read this France vs Netherlands match preview!
France
France won the World Cup earlier this summer, but a new challenge is under way. The UEFA Nations League has started and France are in the strongest league, the League A. They’re in the Group 1 together with Germany and Netherlands. The rules are such that the team that finishes on the third spot gets relegated, which is just another thing that will motivate France in this game.
France already played a game in the UEFA Nations League a few days ago. They played an away game against Germany, which ended 0:0. The world champions are expected to play better this weekend, when they welcome the Dutch in Paris.
Of course, the home turf is just one of the things that make France favorite here. The main reason why they’re expected to win this is that they’re basically the best team on the planet. And their key men have been playing fantastic lately.
This particularly goes for Mbappe, who has been sensational in the Ligue 1, playing for PSG. The 19-year-old has already scored four league goals after playing just over 220 minutes. But, he will have to sit on the bench a game in the league cause of the red card he received last weekend. That said, Mbappe will probably feel fired up in the national team jersey, so we can expect him to keep making wonders.
Netherlands
The Dutch have a great footballing tradition, which is why it was a real surprise that they failed to book a spot at the World Cup. To be frank though, this team didn’t seem very powerful in the last few years, but a sort of generation change has happened lately. Players like Robben and Sneijder are no longer playing for the national team, which is now packed with pretty young players. In fact, the oldest player in the squad picked by Ronald Koeman is Ryan Babel, who is 31.
Right now, Netherlands seem like a really good team, strong in every position. Unfortunately for their fans, they’re not as good as France. But, considering that their defense seems very strong, they might get something out of this game if they decide to defend.
I’m saying this because they have some really fantastic players at the back. The most important defender, of course, is Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, who’s gonna be partnered up with Inter Milan’s de Vrij. The problem is that Koeman will probably decide to attack France, rather than defend with all they got. After all, the Dutch are the ones who came up with Total Football a.k.a. totaalvoetbal.
Possible Lineups
France
Areola – Varane, Umtiti, Pavard, Hernandez – Matuidi, Kante, Pogba – Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud
Netherlands
Cillessen – van Dijk, de Vrij, Blind, van Aanholt – Strootman, Wijnaldum, Vormer – Babel, Memphis, de Jong
France vs Netherlands Match Prediction
I have no doubt France will win this, the difference in quality is so much on their side. After all, they’re the champions of the world and they’re playing at home!
France vs Netherlands Betting Tips
- France @1.53 (Marathon Bet)
- France & Over 2.5 Goals @2.25 (betway)