Netherlands take on France in the round 2 match of UEFA Euro-2024 group stage. The match will be played on Thursday, June 21st at Red Bull Arena (Leipzig).
The Netherlands looked good under the returning van Gaal. They even managed a comeback against Argentina in the World Cup quarterfinals, but few can challenge Emiliano Martinez in a penalty shootout. With Louis retiring once again, he handed over the reins to one of his protégés, Ronald Koeman. Ronald had led the team in the previous Euros, and managed to fulfill the main task this time as well. However, a year ago, he was on the brink of dismissal following defeats to France in the qualifiers and to Croatia and Italy in the final rounds of the Nations League. The team also struggled to win against top-tier opponents—neither against Mbappe and company in an official match, nor against Germany in a friendly this spring. They maintained a perfect record against weaker teams, though. In 2024, they thrashed Scotland, Canada, and Iceland 4-0 each, but those were friendly matches. Concerns arose as they had to go to the tournament without key midfielders Koopmeiners and, most importantly, De Jong. Against Poland, they conceded early but kept pressuring the defense until they secured a 2-1 victory. The decisive goal was again scored by Weghorst, who came off the bench successfully.
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France aims for success in this format too. The "Les Bleus" won the 2018 World Cup under Deschamps and, a year and a half ago in Qatar, delivered what many consider the best final in history alongside Argentina, where both teams deserved the trophy, but Messi and his team clinched it on penalties. However, in the Euros, Deschamps' team has reasons for discontent with the results achieved. In the 2016 home championship, the team lost in extra time to a pragmatic Portugal, who played most of the match without Ronaldo. The Euro 2020 campaign was a complete failure for Mbappe and company. They navigated the current qualification confidently, securing the top spot in advance. After that, the French began to slack off, including in most friendly matches. In Germany, starting with Austria, the favorite disappointed in all but the outcome. First, they only won 1-0 thanks to an own goal. Second, Mbappe, who scored the goal, broke his nose and won't play at least until the end of the group stage.
The history between these neighbors is extensive. But no need to look far, as Deschamps' team won both meetings in the 2023 qualifiers. Even without Kylian, Deschamps' squad is stronger, and the Dutch struggle against such teams under Koeman. We bet on a victory for the nominal guests.
Prediction for the match: France to win.
