On Sunday evening, the Netherlands will attempt to take another big step towards UEFA Euro 2020 when they play their latest qualifying match against Belarus.
Belarus
Belarus’ hopes of an unlikely path to qualification rest on the playoffs, which they look set to make their way into courtesy of the Nations League. Their route through the group itself has been poor, and while they haven’t been totally blown out of the water, they need to start thinking about their attacking prowess and how they can improve upon it.
Two narrow losses against Northern Ireland were quite disappointing, especially seeing as they put up a solid fight against Germany in a 2-0 defeat. They were able to edge past Estonia with a 2-1 triumph that gave them hope, but they were unable to replicate that kind of form in the rematch with a 0-0 draw.
Netherlands
The Netherlands’ rise back to prominence has been well documented, and after two poor qualification campaigns in the last two tournaments, they seem to be getting back to winning ways. They’ve suffered two defeats recently against Portugal in the Nations League Final and Germany in qualifying, but they secured a ‘revenge’ win of sorts with a 4-2 triumph.
They did manage to beat England in the semi-final, and in their last two qualifying games, they put four past Estonia and then came from behind to defeat Northern Ireland. Ronald Koeman seems to be turning the national team around and while it’s going to take a while before they’re viewed as legitimate contenders once again, they certainly have no problems sticking goals past their opposition.
Prediction
The Dutch are on the verge of finally getting back to the top table of international football in the form of qualifying for Euro 2020. From a defensive standpoint, Belarus have the potential to stifle the Dutch, but we can’t imagine that they’ll be able to hold them to no goals – or even just one or two.
They’re going to come forward with real force and intent, and we’re backing a big away win by at least three or four goals. They were able to get into a real rhythm against Northern Ireland, and while Belarus aren’t exactly going to roll over, they’ll be well aware of the fact that their hope of reaching Euro 2020 rests solely in the playoffs.
It may not be the most enticing game to watch through the first 20 minutes or so but it’ll pick up eventually, and closing those flood gates is going to be the biggest task facing Belarus here. If they can manage to limit it to a respectable scoreline then it’ll give them hope, but we can’t see it.
Verdict: Back the away win at 1/6 for the Dutch to get the job done and over 2.5 goals at 3/5. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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