Kick-off: 1945, 24/03/2023
Stadium: Stade de France
TV: Viaplay Sports
The big two in Euro 2024 qualifying Group B clash in Paris and we reckon Netherlands can pick up a positive result against hosts France.
Les Bleus have been hampered by some key injuries on top of some significant international retirements, making them worth taking on.
Punters can get 9/10 for the Dutch to avoid defeat and that is our first France vs Netherlands prediction.
Les Bleus lacking proven performers
France came agonisingly close to becoming the first back-to-back World Cup winners for 60 years at Qatar 2022.
Wins over Australia and Denmark saw Les Bleus qualify for the knockout stage, although they did lose their final pool game versus Tunisia.
Poland were then beaten 3-1 and England shaded 2-1 in a close contest before surprise semi-finalists Morocco were seen off 2-0.
In the final, a Kylian Mbappe hat-trick helped France draw 3-3 with Argentina after extra-time, but La Albiceleste prevailed on penalties.
Long-serving head coach Didier Deschamps remains at the helm and Mbappe is the star of a strong forward line.
Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kingsley Coman and emerging talent Randal Kolo Muani are among the attacking options.
However, Karim Benzema has quit international football, while Christopher Nkunku and Ousmane Dembele are injured.
High-profile absences will be more noticeable in other departments, with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and defender Raphael Varane also concentrating on club duties these days.
N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba, William Saliba, Wesley Fofana, Lucas Hernadez and Presnel Kimpembe are proven performers currently sidelined.
Les Bleus were beaten at home by Denmark and Croatia in last year’s Nations League group, when only just avoiding relegation.
Looking at the France vs Netherlands odds, Holland can be backed at a tempting 19/10 in the ‘draw no bet’ market.
Dutch are well-balanced outfit
Netherlands headed to Qatar full of optimism after impressing in their Nations League pool, topping the table by six points.
Belgium were beaten at home and away, while the rejuvenated Dutch also claimed road wins in Poland and Wales.
At the World Cup, Holland picked up seven points during the group stage and then got the better of USA 3-1.
Manchester United loan star Wout Weghorst scored twice as they drew 2-2 with Argentina after extra-time in the quarter-finals, but Virgil van Dijk and Steven Berghuis missed in a penalty shoot-out.
Van Dijk, Matthijs de Ligt and Nathan Ake feature in a powerful defence, with Denzel Dumfries, Jurrien Timber, Tyrell Malacia and Daley Blind adding strength in depth.
Frenkie de Jong adds a touch of class to a hard-working midfield, while Liverpool new body Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay, now with Atletico Madrid, are exciting front men.
Ronald Koeman has replaced Louis van Gaal at the helm, but this team has enough on-field leaders to make his job straightforward.
Let’s add a value punt on the Dutch to win by one goal at 9/2 to our France vs Netherlands betting tips.
Additional stats
Last result:
Argentina 3-3 FRANCE (AET, 4-2 on pens) – Kylian Mbappe (3)
NETHERLANDS 2-2 Argentina (AET, 3-4 on pens) – Wout Weghorst (2)
Head-to-head: Netherlands 2-0 France, France 2-1 Netherlands, France 4-0 Netherlands, Netherlands 0-1 France
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