North Macedonia
Netherlands
Netherlands
Netherlands seeking 100% winning group stage record against minnows North Macedonia
Netherlands to win 3-1
The Netherlands have entertained their way to two wins from two games at their first major tournament since 2014, having missed both the last Euros in 2016 and World Cup in 2018.
Their two games have included seven goals, and their willingness to get forward and score goals has left gaps at the back for opponents to exploit.
Nevertheless, topping Group C would be a fine achievement for a nation coming into this tournament on the back of a period of mixed form, and will mean that their route forward in the knockout stages could be a little kinder.
North Macedonia’s debut tournament was over almost as quickly as it started as they fell to defeat in both of their opening games, to Austria and the Ukraine.
They have scored in both of their games to their credit, and they may see this as an opportunity to get a point on the board against a Netherlands side that may make some changes.
World Ranking: 62
Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Debut
Predicted Finish This Year: Group Stage
Reasons to be cheerful:
This is a free hit for their players with nothing more to lose
Could benefit from Netherlands making some changes
Reasons to be fearful:
Have been poor defensively
Could be a little deflated at being eliminated already
North Macedonia would have hoped to still be in contention with a game to go, although have unfortunately already been eliminated from the group following defeats to Austria and Ukraine.
To their credit, they have scored in both matches, with veteran striker Pandev netting in their first game, followed by Alioski in the second.
In truth, they have never appeared likely to qualify for the knockout phase. Their defensive unit hasn’t been as solid as some of the other lower ranked nations in the tournament, and they just haven’t had enough firepower going forward.
The Netherlands are likely to make a few changes here, so perhaps they can capitalise and go out with a bang?
Star Man – Goran Pandev
At 37 years old, this is likely to be the veteran striker’s last ever game in a major tournament. Can he sign off in style?
World Ranking: 16
Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Winners, 1988
Predicted Finish This Year: Quarter Finals
Reasons to be cheerful:
Look a much more solid side with de Ligt at the back
One of the top scorers so far with five goals
Reasons to be fearful:
Making wholesale changes could disrupt momentum
Will be wary of North Macedonia’s determination to sign off in style
The Netherlands were one of the first sides to qualify for the Round of 16 thanks to their 100% winning start to the group so far.
A thrilling 3-2 win over the Ukraine was followed by a more routine 2-0 victory over Austria a few days later, with star striker Memphis Depay finally getting onto the scoresheet. With news filtering through this week that he is about to sign for Barcelona, his morale will be sky-high.
Elsewhere on the pitch, changes are likely to be made. Experienced defender Daley Blind is likely to be rested, while Luuk de Jong, Ryan Gravenberch and Owen Wijndal could all feature from the start.
Star Man – Memphis Depay
He is the Netherlands’ talisman and scoring a penalty to open his account against Austria will bring him confidence.
Both sides could make changes
Netherlands are still favourites
North Macedonia will be determined to claim a point
It’s rare that teams finish the group stage with maximum points – in fact you have to go back to Germany in 2012 for the country who last won all three games of their group.
North Macedonia will also be determined to not leave their first tournament without claiming a point.
However, even if the Netherlands make a few changes, they should still have enough to claim the points here.
Netherlands to win 3-1
