The final countdown to UEFA Euro 2024 has officially begun as we approach a string of highly anticipated international friendlies. Some of the nations that are playing this week are heading for the big tournament and others aren’t, but either way, it’s important for all of them to try and build some momentum. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the impending clash between Netherlands and Canada.
Netherlands Form GuideThe Dutch have forever been known as the bridesmaids of world football but on the European stage, they tend to be a little bit more consistent. The primary hope, moving forward, is that all of their changes behind the scenes won’t impact what they’re trying to accomplish on the pitch. After all, you could make a good argument that this is actually their best squad in years.
Things didn’t go all Netherlands’ way in Group B of qualifying, as they finished in 2nd place behind France - who were four points ahead of them. They did, however, manage to finish five points ahead of Greece in 3rd, meaning they wound up qualifying without too much trouble.
Canada Form GuideFollowing on from their World Cup exploits in 2022, Canada’s focus is on this year’s Copa America - and, beyond that, hosting the FWC in 2026. They’re slowly but surely starting to bring through some exciting youngsters and while they still have a long way to go, something tells us that in the next decade or so, they could begin to emerge as real players on the world stage.
Back in November, Canada went head to head with Jamaica in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League. While they won the first leg 2-1, they fell to a 3-2 defeat in the second leg and lost on away goals. They did, however, get back on track in March with a 2-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago.
Match PredictionIn a game like this, the whole point is to do everything in your power to make an impact - but at the same time, there are far more important matches that lie ahead. Therefore, while we do think there will be some big moments here and there, our official prediction is under 2.5 goals scored.
