- Where: Stade de France, Paris
- When: Friday, March 24, 8:45 CET PM
Another European classic awaits us in the opening round of the EURO 2024 qualifiers. France hosts the Netherlands at Stade de France in what appears to be the most exciting event scheduled for Friday. Both teams are not only favorites to win this group, but are also among the top contenders for lifting the trophy at the end of the EURO 2024 tournament.
France vs. Netherlands Preview
France
The Gauls lost the World Cup finals, missing a perfect chance to become one of few nations in history to defend the crown. Injuries mauled France, and we can say without any hesitation that if Deschamps had all of the best players at his disposal, the Gauls would be much, much stronger and probably the winners of the tournament.
Since the finals on December 18, France didn’t have any games. Though, the players know one another very well, and overall, they are in solid shape when playing for their clubs.
France wasn’t confident at home recently, losing two out of their three UEFA Nations League games at Stade de France to Denmark and Croatia while beating Austria.
Netherlands
The way Oranje opened the World Cup, everyone believed they might go all the way. Until failing against Argentina in the quarterfinals, the Netherlands had 19 consecutive events in which they hadn’t lost.
This unit plays flamboyant, high-paced, and offensive-minded football, which has been a trademark of the Netherlands’ national team since the 70s. Cody Gakpo is the centerpiece of this crew, and pretty much everything upfront starts from Liverpool’s forward.
Overall, Oranje plays efficient football, with them scoring at least twice in nine of the past ten games. Meanwhile, the defense is solid yet inconsistent, as it frequently allows goals in events against top teams.
France vs. Netherlands Possible Lineups
France: Lloris; Kounde, Varane, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Tchouameni, Rabiot; Thuram, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
Netherlands: Noppert; Timber, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, De Jong, De Roon, Blind; Klaassen; Gakpo, Depay
France vs. Netherlands Head to Head
The most recent meetings between these units were in 2018, in the UEFA Nations League, France was better than Oranje at home, 2-1, but the Netherlands responded in front of its own fans, 2-0.
France vs. Netherlands Predictions
France’s attack is the best in the world, and that’s a fact. They aren’t as formidable in the midfield as before, with the results from Qatar being the best proof, as France allowed plenty of goals. The Netherlands’ play style is similar to the Gauls’, meaning that Friday’s spectacle should be efficient, with at least three scores.
Our verdict: Over 2.5 goals
France vs. Netherlands Odds
