UEFA EURO 2024 Group Stage
20 June, 2024 - Indian Date
Leipzig Stadium
MATCH TIMES
India
12:30 AM
UAE
11:00 PM
Saudi Arabia
09:45 PM
MATCH LIVE INFO
Predicted Lineups
Netherlands (4-3-3):
Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Veerman, Reijnders; Simons, Depay, Gakpo.
France (4-3-3):
Maignan; Kounde, Upamecano, Saliba, T. Hernandez; Rabiot, Kante, Griezmann; Dembele, Giroud, Thuram.
Match Preview: Netherlands vs France
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Netherlands: 1 win
France: 4 wins
Draws: 0
Last Meeting: Netherlands 1-2 France (13 October 2023) - Euro 2024 qualifying
Current Form
Netherlands
The Netherlands have been in impressive form leading up to this match. They recently secured a 2-1 victory over Poland, showing resilience and tactical discipline. Convincing wins against Iceland and Canada have further highlighted their attacking prowess, while a narrow loss to Germany earlier in the year has provided valuable lessons. Ronald Koeman's squad appears well-prepared and motivated to challenge one of Europe’s top teams.
France
France, on the other hand, has shown a mix of solid performances and areas for improvement. Their recent 1-0 win over Austria was a hard-fought battle, showcasing their ability to grind out results under pressure. While a 0-0 draw with Canada indicated some offensive struggles, comprehensive victories against Luxembourg and Chile demonstrated their depth and quality. A defeat to Germany earlier in the year will be fresh in their minds, pushing them to perform at their best against the Netherlands.
Team News
Netherlands
Ronald Koeman has had to navigate through the tournament without key midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners due to injuries. Despite these challenges, his squad came through their recent win over Poland unscathed, providing a boost ahead of their clash with France. The Dutch side will rely on the depth and versatility within their ranks to compensate for these absences.
France
France faces a significant fitness concern with their star player and captain, Kylian Mbappe, who broke his nose in the match against Austria. His participation against the Netherlands is still uncertain, but if he plays, he will be wearing a protective face mask. The French squad’s depth will be tested, and they will need other key players to step up in Mbappe’s potential absence.
Key Players to Watch
Netherlands
Memphis Depay will be central to the Netherlands' attacking efforts, bringing both skill and experience to the front line. Cody Gakpo’s pace and creativity on the wings will be vital in stretching France's defense. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk’s leadership and defensive solidity will be crucial in organizing the Dutch backline against a potent French attack.
France
Antoine Griezmann's versatility and vision make him a pivotal player in linking France's midfield and attack. Olivier Giroud’s goal-scoring prowess and experience will be essential, particularly with the potential absence of Mbappe. N'Golo Kante’s tireless work rate and ability to break up play will be key in controlling the midfield battle and providing a platform for France's attacking players.
Conclusion
The Netherlands vs France promises to be a thrilling encounter between two European heavyweights. With both teams in good form and having plenty at stake, fans can expect an intense and high-quality match. The outcome may well hinge on key individual performances and tactical adjustments made by both managers.
FULL TIME