After missing the last two competitions, the Netherlands got a major boost last weekend when they defeated Germany 3-0 on home soil. While that wasn’t the first time Germany have been beaten in recent months, it is the first time the Dutch have won a game by such a scoreline in a long time, and that would fill them with confidence ahead of this game.
Belgium were eliminated from the World Cup by France at the semifinal stage, in truth they were one of the best teams in the competition and they probably deserved to win the cup. They have continued their push for a trophy before this golden generation of stars begins to retire.
Their win over Switzerland the last time out has placed them on course for the semifinal of the Euro Nations League. Winning that competition would make up for their World Cup disappointment as well as help them earn their first trophy in a long time. They would also have their eyes on Euro 2020, but how would they perform in this game.
The Netherlands won 3rd place at the 2014 World Cup, but they have seen their neighbours overtake them at the international stage so far. They would be boosted by their last result ahead of this match, but Belgium haven’t lost a home game since Roberto Martinez’s first game as their manager and that makes this a tough game for the Dutchmen.
These two sides last met just over two years ago, and they drew 1-1. It’s been 21 years since the Dutch last beat Belgium.
