France and the Netherlands looking for first Nations League win
Marco Iacobucci EPP / Shutterstock.com
France host the Netherlands in their second match of the UEFA Nations League on Sunday. The French kickstarted their post-World Cup campaign with a nil-nil draw against Germany in their first Nations League match.
The Netherlands are yet to play in the competition, and due to the three-team group, they were the odd ones left out on matchday 1.
While France were a juggernaut at the World Cup and hoisted the tournament’s trophy, the Netherlands watched from home. The Dutch failed to make the World Cup just eight years after competing in the tournament’s final.
Manager Ronald Koeman has his work cut out for him. His immediate job is to filter out the Netherlands’ ageing players and to find a crop of capable young stars. That is easier said than done, but Koeman does have the likes of captain Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay, and Kevin Strootman to call upon.
The Netherlands did say goodbye to longtime star Wesley Sneijder on Thursday night. The current Al-Gharafa midfielder was honoured as he went into retirement. The Dutch are in a transition phase as the nation’s golden generation has run its course.
France are currently enjoying their golden generation and have called upon the same players that lifted the World Cup trophy back in July. The only one missing is goalkeeper Hugo Lloris who suffered an injury leading up to Thursday night’s game against Germany. Manager Didier Deschamps made just one change to his starting XI for matchday 1, which was forced by Lloris’ injury.
Alphonse Areola was in goal and received man of the match plaudits for making six saves. Other than in goal, France featured the same outfield players that played in the World Cup Final. Despite this, Germany out played them at times. France only kept 40 percent possession and managed eight shots with four on target.
In 26 previous meetings, France have won 13 times. The two nations met in World Cup 2018 qualifying with France winning both times. In fact, France haven’t lost to the Dutch in their last four meetings, winning each game.
The Netherlands did warm-up for the fixture with a win over Peru. While France were held scoreless in Germany, the Dutch got two goals from Depay to see off the South Americans. Exciting Ajax 21-year-old player Frenkie de Jong earned his first cap in the match. A lot is expected of the midfielder.
France and the Netherlands will play a cagey fixture. Both sides have a lot to prove in Paris on Sunday night. The French want to continue their fine form while the Netherlands are ready to show they are back to their best.
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