Yet another massive clash is in store for us at EURO 2024 today, as France take on the Netherlands for bragging rights in Group D. Both teams won their openaing match – against Austria and Poland respectively – and will look to build on this momentum. These two sides did not have a great Euros tournament in 2021, and will look to change this trend by qualifying as first in the griup to avoid the bigger sides in the Round of 16. Let’s take a look at how this major clash could pan out tonight in Leipzig.
France
The biggest question mark for the French national team lies around Mbappe’s availability and eventual form. The star man brok his nose in a nasty clash towards the end of the Austria fixture earlier this week and will have to wear a protective mask while playing for the remainder of this tournament. We expect the team’s starting lineup to be the same as in the firsgt matchday, with the surprising return of Knate being a more then welcome sight for the French as he was man of the match against the Austrians. The pace from T. Hernandez, Dembele and Thuram will play a key part in this game, especially when we consider how solid – on paper – the Netherlands’ backline is. This will likely be a tight encounter (as both previous games in this group were too). However, France should create the majority of the chnaces, as their midfield is more dyanamic than that of the Dutch, which is more technical but also slower and less physical. Ultimately, this may very well end up being a draw, or a close France win. I simply don’t see the French losing tonight.
The Netherlands
The Oranje will come into this game with confidence following their late win against Poland last weekend. However, these two sides have already met this past year twice in the wqualifying round for the Euros. France won both of those encounters, including a 4-0 trashing in Paris. Since then, the Dutch have brough back Ronald Koeman on the bench, and will look to at least get a point out of this game and set up a great final matchday clash against Austria. The question for the Dutch is how they will line up: their secondhalf performance versus Poland was quite lacklustre, and they cannot replicate it against a much better French team. Is an injection of phisicality in midfield with the inclusion of Wijnaldum warranted? Will Xavi Simons start again? If Mbappe does not feature for France, this will give the Oranje a massive boost, as their defense already looked very good in their frist game. As said above, expect a tight encounter. I believe an Under 2 is warranted in this case, if you feel like taking a bit of a risk.
France to Win – 2.45
Draw – 3.36
Netherlands to Win – 3.38
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