France vs Netherlands
Just when you’re getting back into the swing of domestic action, along comes another international break.
While my initial reaction is usually an underwhelming one, certain football games always catch my attention, whatever time of the year.
One such game is when the French and the Dutch clash.
And with World Cup qualification on the line, what’s not to like?
Naturally, you can bet online on this one.
The betting odds are varied, the stakes are high – normally this would be a match fit for a World Cup quarter or semi-final.
Defeat in Paris and it’s likely Holland, semi-finalists in 2014, will miss out altogether.
The pressure is certainly on the Netherlands as they adjust to life after Danny Blind, who was sacked earlier this year.
Now coached by an old favourite in Dick Advocaat, they must return from the Stade de France with at least a point, such was the disappointing start to their qualifying campaign.
To miss out on Russia 2018, after failing to reach last summer’s European Championships, would be a major blow for the national game.
In France, they meet opponents who won 1-0 in Amsterdam last October – courtesy of a Paul Pogba goal – and top Group A alongside Sweden, who currently edge them on goal difference.
Les Bleus have recovered from losing the final of Euro 2016 13 months ago and have their sights firmly set on becoming world champions.
The form of many of their club footballers suggests they could peak at the right time too.
Few other nations can possess players of the calibre of Pogba, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, N’Golo Kante – to name just a few.
Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps has others to come back in yet, such as Barcelona’s new signing Ousmane Dembele who he left out of the squad so he could focus on his mega-money move to Spain and not distract team-mates from the task in hand.
Naturally, France start as clear favourites – their 1X2 odds @ 1.59 in stark contrast to the Netherlands 1X2 @ 5.20.
You can get the draw for an appealing 1X2 @ 3.90.
And if Asian Handicap is your preference, then it’s hard to see past -1.00 France @ 2.09.
Either way, this should be a compelling encounter and one which deserves to be played at a tournament next summer, rather than just a qualifier.
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
