Netherlands vs France - International Friendly
Venue: Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Date: Friday, March 25 2016 - 19:45 GMT
Netherlands team failed to qualify for Euro 2016 after a dismal campaign saw
then finish fourth in Group A behind the Czech Republic, Iceland and
Turkey. Since the end of the qualifying campaign, the Dutch team played
just one friendly and they beat Wales 3-2 with Arjen Robben scoring the
winner in the 81st minute. The Oranje are very vulnerable at back and
have conceded 10 goals in their last five outings.
Holland are
still in their rebuilding phase and the head-coach will take this as an
opportunity to tinker with his tactics and line-up. Robben misses with a
thigh problem he picked up in the Champions League against Juventus.
Gregory van der Wiel and Maarten Stekelenburg have also been left out as
well as Van Persie who continues to struggle with Fenerbahce.
Furthermore, full-back Erik Pieters has been withdrawn from the squad.
France, the host nation of the Euro 2016, are W10-D2-L4 through 16
friendlies since the World Cup. Didier Deschamps’ side have won five of
their last six matches and look like a strong contender to challenge for
the tournament in the home soil. They suffered a 2-0 defeat away to
England last time out. Les Blues have managed only 3 wins in their last 7
outings.
With Benzema still suspended, Arsenal striker
Olivier Giroud is expected to start up front, with Andre Pierre Gignac
ready to play in the 2nd half. Steve Mandanda and Hugo Lloris are in
contention for a place in goal, while N’Golo Kante is in line for his
first cap. Dimitri Payet, who has been impressive with West Ham United in the EPL is also certain to start.
Probable lineups:
Netherlands: Cillessen – Karsdorp, van Dijk, Blind, Willems – Clasie, Wijnaldum – Narsingh, Snejider, Depay – Huntelaar.
France: Lloris – Sagna, Varane, Koscielny, Evra – Pogba, Matuidi, Cabaye, Coman – Griezman, Giroud.
