The Netherlands are on the brink of Euro 2024 qualification, needing one more win as they host the Republic of Ireland in a Group B clash at Johan Cruyff Arena on Saturday.
Ronald Koeman’s squad holds second place in the group with 12 points, while Ireland has been eliminated from the top-two race but clings to playoff hopes.
Match Preview:
France has already secured their place at Euro 2024 as group winners, leaving the Netherlands and Greece in a duel for the final qualification spot.
The Dutch, with two games remaining, control their fate after four wins in Group B, although their nervy encounter with Greece last month highlighted vulnerabilities.
In Athens, the Netherlands missed a penalty but secured a last-gasp win with Virgil van Dijk’s spot-kick. They now aim to secure a top-two finish against Ireland and have a final fixture against Gibraltar as a fallback option.
Even if they slip from the automatic spots, the Netherlands have a playoff safety net. Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland, despite predictable losses against France and the Netherlands, still hold a slim chance for a playoff spot based on their Nations League ranking.
Ireland needs a loss against the Dutch to keep their playoff hopes alive, depending on the results of Greece and the Netherlands in Group B. However, a negative outcome against the Dutch could also dim their slim chances further.
In their previous encounter, the Netherlands came from behind to defeat Ireland 2-1, maintaining an unbeaten run against them since 2004.
Netherlands Euro Champ Qualifying Form: L W W W L W
Netherlands Overall Form: L L W W L W
Republic of Ireland Euro Champ Qualifying Form: L W L L L W
Team News:
The Netherlands cope with injuries as Nathan Ake, Brian Brobbey, and Steven Bergwijn withdraw.
Uncapped players Thijs Dallinga and Jorrel Hato join the squad. Bart Verbruggen is set to be the goalkeeper, while Daley Blind eyes his 104th cap.
Ireland faces doubts over Ferguson, Smallbone, Ogbene, and McGrath’s fitness. Ferguson aims to recover from a back issue to play against his Brighton teammate, Verbruggen.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Netherlands:(3-4-3)
Verbruggen;
Geertruida, Van Dijk, Blind;
Dumfries, Reijnders, Wieffer, Hartman;
Simons, Weghorst, Gakpo
Republic of Ireland:(4-3-3)
Kelleher;
Doherty, Duffy, Scales, Manning;
Knight, Cullen, Molumby;
Sykes, Ferguson, Johnston
Prediction:
Despite Ireland’s recent victories over Gibraltar and a competitive showing against the Netherlands earlier, the Dutch are favored to win 2-0 in Amsterdam.