The Netherlands have put them in a risky position ahead of their pivotal clash with Greece, with the hosts on the brink of going through.
Gus Poyet finds himself in a terrific position ahead of the pivotal game between Greece and the Netherlands, with his side on the brink of making a huge mark in Group B. Entering the current break, the Galanolefki were level on points with the Oranje and got themselves a win over Ireland.
After some early scares in Dublin, Greece went ahead through Georgios Giakoumakis and then doubled their lead with a fortunate Georgios Masouras strike. That win over Ireland held massive importance in the context of Group B, where France seemed destined to finish top.
🙌 M Α Σ Ο Υ Ρ Α Σ 🙌 #yourmoment pic.twitter.com/Nv9EYFvgJx
— Ethniki Omada (@EthnikiOmada) October 13, 2023
Greece always had eyes on the second spot, although the Netherlands were outright favourites for that place. Yet, with that Ireland win, Poyet’s men headed back home with a three-point advantage over the Oranje and put them in a pressure situation of a must-win game. A win at home will put them in a strong position to finish second, although the last matchday during the next break will have a major importance.
The Netherlands find themselves in a familiar position and are running the risk of losing out on yet another major tournament. Yet, Ronald Koeman seems relaxed about the situation and has faith in his players to get the job done by Matchday 8.
The Oranje suffered a major blow at home as France took three points in what was considered a must-win clash. A brace from Kylian Mbappe proved enough to secure the win, although the Netherlands did stage a mini-comeback through a late Quilindschy Hartman strike.
Fortunately for the Netherlands, they still have a game in hand over Greece. While this game appears in the must-win territory, they could still conjure up a second spot if they manage to win their last two games against Ireland and Gibraltar, knowing well that Greece must still face France on the last matchday.
However, with a win in Greece, Koeman’s men will put themselves in a strong position and back as favourites to finish second and second qualification. However, a loss would put them in a difficult spot, especially as they have an inferior goal difference with their opponents in Group B.
Team News & Tactics
Greece
After a fantastic performance against Ireland, Gus Poyet has no reason to tinker with his squad. Moreover, Greece did not suffer any fresh injury concerns, and no player had suspension issues. The only missing personnel from the previous game was Georgios Tzavellas, who could remain absent for the Netherlands clash.
PRESS CONFERENCE pre game 📹 live now https://t.co/YWmhyjt2DH pic.twitter.com/RnXkvfMaNE
— Ethniki Omada (@EthnikiOmada) October 15, 2023
With an unchanged lineup in mind, Poyet will likely continue with Georgios Giakoumakis as his leading striker. The Atlanta United man is vying to reach double figures for his national colours and remains only behind Kylian Mbappe in Group B scoring charts.
His goal against Ireland ensured Poyet would continue to keep faith in his abilities. Giakoumakis will continue to keep fellow forwards Taxiarchis Fountas and Vangelis Pavlidis at bay once more. At the back, Poyet will keep his trust in centre-back partners Konstantinos Mavropanos and Panagiotis Retsos, while Liverpool full-back Kostas Tsimikas will continue on the left-hand side.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Vlachodimos; Rota, Retsos, Mavropanos, Tsimikas; Bakasetas, Kourbelis, Mantalos; Masouras, Giakoumakis, Pelkas
Netherlands
Ronald Koeman will likely make some changes from the side that suffered a defeat against France. In terms of absentees, only Wout Weghorst remains a doubt after being withdrawn in the last game. Donyell Malen seems like the correct replacement for the tall forward, with the Borussia Dortmund star set to lead the line.
Final prep before takeoff. #NothingLikeOranje #GRENED pic.twitter.com/3oYqU6u1e3
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) October 15, 2023
Koeman will also revert to a back three for a better defensive display against the Greece. It could see Denzel Dumfries and Quilindschy Hartman play the wing-back roles while tweaking his midfield and attacking setup to suit the system.
Marten De Roon could drop to the bench as Koeman would prefer a midfield partnership of Tijjani Reijnders and Joey Veerman in the middle. With Weghorst also potentially absentee, Koeman would like players who can bring some fluidity to the attack, such as Malen.
Xavi Simons could move to the right-hand side of the front three to accommodate Steven Bergwijn on the left after the Ajax man made an impact from the bench in the last game.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Verbruggen; Geertruida, Van Dijk, Ake; Dumfries, Reijnders, Veerman, Hartman; Simons, Malen, Bergwijn
Key Stats
- Greece have seen over 2.5 goals in their last three matches against the Netherlands in all competitions.
- Greece have lost two of their last six Euro qualification fixtures.
- Greece will aim to reach the Euros for the first time since 2012.
- The Netherlands have won eight of their last ten games against Greece in all competitions.
- The Netherlands have lost three of their last six Euro qualification fixtures.
Player to Watch
Xavi Simons
Ronald Koeman has yet to find his best setup since taking over as this team’s manager. While it is too late to experiment, he must keep faith in individual talent to see out the remaining qualification fixtures, with Simons set to play a big part in the revival tour.
Against Greece, the Netherlands know how to play, having defeated Gus Poyet’s men at home. But this clash will be different, considering the hosts will look to protect their three-point lead in the group. Hence, a player with Simons’s ability could help break down a stubborn Greek defence and get things going.
Prediction
Greece 1-1 Netherlands
The reverse fixture in Eindhoven had a different look to Group B, as the Netherlands sought a comfortable victory over Greece. However, coming into this round, Poyet’s men have much to lose, and they will strategise to keep the Oranje at bay for most parts.
Hence, Greece should make sure they protect their goal at all costs and ensure they protect their advantage in Group B. With the players the Netherlands have, they can still open up stubborn defences, although their defensive setup still has issues which could see them concede. Hence, there are plenty of factors that point towards an eventful draw.
