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Peter Green - September 3, 2019
Germany vs Netherlands
EURO Qualification
Date: Friday, 6 September 2019
Kick-off at 19:45 UK/ 20:45 CET
Venue: Volksparkstadion (Hamburg).
These two teams have abundant recent history. Both were included in the Group 1, League A of the inaugural UEFA Nations League, along with France. But against all expectations, the Dutch managed to top the group against the last two world champions. In the process, the Germans received a ticket to the lower division.
Joachim Low’s men are going through a major transitional phase. Several senior players have received the ax, and this has expectedly led to some noises within the squad. But still, the trust this man has amongst the fans and management is kind of unshakeable. It was this guy who made the team reach the pinnacle of world football and help them shed the tag of perennial chokers.
For sure these players will have their hands full with the arrival of the new-born Dutch contingent. It seems only yesterday that the Orange were suffering at the hands of even minnows, and struggling to even qualify for major tournaments. Now, they are rightfully quoted as potential champions in whatever competition they enter.
As of now, the top spot of Group C is in possession of Northern Ireland, with these two nations following just behind. The reason for this arrangement is pretty obvious that the Irish cavalry is yet to take on major sides.
Probably the best game the Euros have to offer this weekend. The Germans who are running scared after seeing their status as top-dog come to an end, and Holland, who see an opening to get to the top of the food chain, considering the current vacuum there.
The home advantage will definitely give the 2014 World Champions some major upper hand, and considering their recent performances, and especially the one against this very opponent on the road, the chances for the hosts to find the back of the net is very high, despite the star-power that the incoming contingent possesses at the back.
The guests, meanwhile, is expectedly frustrated at the missed opportunity of lifting the Nations League, after falling to Portugal in the final, and will want to make reparations for that. Quite easily, with the load of exciting new talents the side has in the quiver, they are considered one of the most potent forces right now in the sport.
Moreover, a brief glance at their recent games show an impressive, and to be frank, a frightening set of stats. Against some of the best teams in the world, the Dutch has held their head high and has scored goals with apparent ease. Against this rival alone, they have scored twice or more in the last three fights.
Taking into account the form Netherlands is in, and their determination to make amends for the Nations League loss, count on them to win one half at the least this Friday at the Volksparkstadion.
