The Netherlands is located in a group that includes France, Greece, Ireland and Gibraltar. The first and second numbers qualify for the European Championship. On paper it seems certain that the Netherlands will qualify alongside France, but don’t forget the exciting qualifying series for Euro 2016.
To prevent such a shock, a visit to the vice world champion will help. Although of course that sounds simpler than it is now. In France, the Netherlands must do without the injured Frenkie de Jong and the suspended Denzel Dumphries.
Flu wave
When Frenkie de Jong resigned from the Dutch national team, national coach Ronald Koeman brought PSV Eindhoven player Joey Vierman into the squad. But a day before the confrontation with the French, he also withdrew due to a wave of flu within the squad. In addition to Verman, Cody Jacobo, Matthias de Ligt, Bart Verbruggen and Sven Botman also returned home. A loss for national coach Ronald Koeman.
Kjell Scherben, Ryan Gravenbrech and Stefan de Vrij were called up on Thursday. The chance of a draw on Friday seems slim in light of the short preparation for the match on Friday evening.
Who are the potential replacements?
Recently broke Mats Wever looks like he has a better chance of replacing the FC Barcelona midfielder. The Feyenoord player has only just started his career as captain, but he has already made a good impression on the national coach.
“I saw Weaver play in the classic match on Sunday. I will not be afraid to play him on Friday night,” Koeman said in the press conference last Monday.
Denzel Dumfries’ replacement also appears to be a Feyenoord player. Lucharel Gertruida is the only right-back alongside Dumfries in the squad.
Riots in France
Changes are also afoot among the French. After the World Cup, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris retired from the national team. Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has been appointed as the new goalkeeper for Les Blues.
In addition, Kylian Mbappe is the new captain of the France national team. Much to the disappointment of Antoine Griezmann. The veteran player in the French national team was expected to become the new captain, and according to various media outlets, he is now considering leaving the national team.
Continuing rehabilitation
After the match against France, we have a home match against Gibraltar on Monday. The Dutch national team will then play European Championship qualifiers again only in September.
The omens for the Dutch national team are good. Databurea Gracenote believes the Netherlands have an 87 percent chance of qualifying directly to the European Championship.
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