UEFA Euro 2024 Team Previews: Netherlands
UEFA Euro 2024 is just weeks away from kicking off in Germany. Over the next 17 days, we will be previewing each team that will be taking part in Europe’s biggest football tournament. Check out all of the team previews that have been done so far. Up next is the Netherlands.
Despite not winning a European Championship since 1988, the Dutch are always a squad that needs to be watched at any international tournament. They knocked the U.S. out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup before falling in penalties to the eventual champions Argentina during the quarterfinal stage, and they will now be looking to show their quality at this summer’s Euros. However, they will face a difficult group that includes a dominant France side and challenging Austria and Poland teams.
Euro Appearances
This will be the Netherlands’ 11th Euros after making 10 previous appearances. They have been to seven of the last eight tournaments, only missing out on the 2016 edition after a shocking qualifying campaign.
Best Finish at the Euros
The Netherlands has one European Championship title to their name, coming in 1988. They have made the semifinals three times and achieved a third-place finish in 1976 when only four teams qualified for the competition.
Key players
A lot of the strength of this Dutch team can be found in its backline. Virgil van Dijk is the team’s leader and rock in defense and will be paired alongside players such as Nathan Aké, Daley Blind, Matthijs de Ligt, Stefan de Vrij and possibly Micky van de Ven. Also keep an eye on Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpong in the Dutch backline.
Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong will be the main man in the Dutch midfield. Jerdy Schouten, Teun Koopmeiners and Xavi Simons are other names to watch. Interestingly enough, a spot was also reserved for Al-Ettifaq’s Georginio Wijnaldum despite him now plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League, and he will provide much-needed experience for a relatively young Dutch midfield.
Up top, expect to see Wout Weghorst, Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo as the primary offensive threats. Steven Bergwijn is another name to watch in the Dutch attack.
Manager
Ronald Koeman is the Dutch manager at this summer’s Euros. Once a great player in his day, this is now his second stint as the Netherlands’ manager, first managing the national team from 2018-2020 and then returning after the 2022 FIFA World Cup. After winning the Euros as a player in 1988, he will be hoping to lead his home country to its second European Championship, this time as a manager.
Biggest Group Game – vs France on June 21
This is a heavyweight matchup that will likely determine who wins Group D. The French won both games against the Dutch during qualifying and will be favored heading into this match. However, the Dutch are a very good team with a very strong backline, and if they can nullify the French attack, they have a shot of hitting the French on the counter, winning the match, and taking control of Group D.
Prediction
The Dutch find themselves in a relatively challenging group where they cannot afford mistakes. However, if they live up to their potential, they should have no problem getting out of the group and making a run in the knockout stages. Although the Dutch have the potential to challenge for the Euro 2024 title, I see them getting knocked out in the quarterfinals.
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