Netherlands vs Northern Ireland should be one of the most interesting games in Group C of Euro 2020 qualification, which will be held at De Kuip Stadium, in Rotterdam. Holland has a great chance to equal points with their rivals and fight for second place in the group stage. Will Netherlands be able to take advantage of home ground and step forward to the 2nd place in standings? Read our thoughts about this interesting Euro2020 qualification Netherlands vs Northern Ireland match here below.
Netherlands
FIFA Rating – 13
Ronald Koeman found a really strong way to play as strong as it is possible. This team losing only in serious battles like against England, France, Germany or Portugal and winning or drawing al other games. Their form looks now much more confident playing with superstars, which showed themselves in different competitions recently. To this international break, Koeman called the strongest team as no one from the leaders is injured on suspended.
During the last Euro2020 qualification break, Netherlands played two games away against Germany and Estonia. and maybe someone didn’t expect it, but in two away games the team scored 8 goals and beat the national teams in their homes. One of the most important wins this season were against Germany, as there could be a very complicated situation in standings if they would lose points. However, Germany led the game after early Gnabry goal at 9th minute and only at 59th minute Barcelona midfield Frenkie de Jong equalled the score. Earlier, after Tah mistake and own goal, The Oranges took leadership and even Kross accurate penalty doesn’t change the situation as Malen and Wijnaldun scored winning goals.
In general, guests controlled the game and created more dangerous moments. They won over weakened Germany, as they are struggling recently with Joachim Low and need to change something in their game. Against Estonia, Holland scored also4 goals and saved clean sheet as everyone expected from them, so here there were no surprises. At the moment, they have 9 points, are behind Germany and Northern Ireland by 3 points, however, have played 1 game less than others. Even being at 3rd place now, we see Netherlands strongest favourites in Group C, especially before meeting Northern Ireland and Belarus.
Predicted Netherlands line-up
Head Coach
Ronald Koeman;
Squad
Goalkeepers
Jasper Cillessen;
Defenders
Joel Veltman, Matthijs de Ligt, Virgil van Dijk, Patrick van Aanholt;
Midfielders
Georginio Wijnaldum, Tonny Vilhena, Frenkie de Jong;
Strikers
Memphis Depay, Quincy Promes, Donyell Malen;
Northern Ireland
FIFA Rating – 33
This year Northern Ireland showing the very strong result as they won 5 matches and lost only against Germany. After 5 rounds in Euro2020 qualification Ireland stand at 2nd place with an equal amount of points with Germany, but with worse goal difference. Green and White Army will have only 1 game during this international break in Euro2020 qualification, so they need to give all their abilities and take at least 1 point against Netherlands. This is a decisive game as they still have big chances to be among qualifiers and leave Holland behind.
Last round they played against Germany at Windsor Park, in Belfast. That was the first loss this year. They had only one shot on target and were closed by German attacking players on their side. This games showed how they need to work on possession and creativity. For Norn Iron next international break in November will be the hardest period. They will face once against Netherlands and then Germany. So they need to make everything to save as much as it is possible points playing against these giants.
Predicted Northern Ireland line-up
Head Coach
Michael O’Neill;
Squad
Goalkeepers
Bailey Peacock-Farrell;
Defenders
Tom Flanagan, Jonny Evans, Craig Cathcart, Jamal Lewis;
Midfielders
Steven Davis, Corry Evans, Paddy McNair;
Strikers
Nail McGinn, Kyle Lafferty, Josh Magennis;
Netherlands vs Northern Ireland H2H
Last time, Netherland won against Northern Ireland with 6:0 result in a friendly game.
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