Netherlands vs Belgium – International Friendly – Preview

Posted on November 8, 2016 by Sreya

Netherlands vs Belgium – Netherlands host Belgium at the Amsterdam ArenA on 9th November in an international friendly as preparation ahead of the crucial 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled later in the week.

Netherlands have struggled with their form in recent past with only two wins in their last five matches. Belgium, on the other hand, have won their previous three matches scoring thirteen goals and conceding none in the process.

Team News

Kevin de Bruyne is unlikely to start in spite of being match fit.

Netherlands Possible Starting Lineup: Maarten Stekelenburg, Rick Karsdorp, Jeffrey Bruma, Virgil van Dijk, Daley Blind, Georginio Wijnaldum, Stijn Schaars, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Vincent Janssen, Jeremain Lens.

Belgium Possible Starting Lineup: Thibaut Courtois, Laurent Ciman, Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Muenier, Axel Witsel, Mousa Dembele, Yannick Carrasco, Dries Mertens, Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard.

“Axel Witsel has such an impressive personality. With his tactical intelligence he can adapt to different systems.

Kevin [de Bruyne] is having probably the best season of his career. We couldn’t wait until he was fit again. But Dries Mertens has done exceptionally well. He was probably our most impressive player in recent matches. And he’s been doing well for his club. Dries is in good form and we should take advantage of this.”

– Roberto Martinez on his Belgium squad.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Netherlands vs Belgium H2H stats, the last five matches between these two nations have resulted in two wins for Belgium and three draws. The last time these two countries met each other in a competitive fixture was in 1998 FIFA World Cup when the game ended in a 0-0 draw.

The odds for a Belgium win are 2.3 while that of a Netherlands win is 3.0 and a draw has odds of 3.4. It should be a closely contested affair but Belgium are likely to win by a 2-1 scoreline.