France vs Netherlands – a game of epic history, one which transcends the fibres of our modern game and speaks to those who came before us, contributed to the football story and certainly those who will influence what is to come after us!
To Win Match
France 5/6 | Draw 12/5 | Netherlands 16/5
France
The French will no doubt be eagerly looking forward to their next mission – the Euro Championships! It will be the first time the squad come together since the World Cup final (by the way, I’m still in awe of how that game turned out!).
The World Cup reminded us of the quality this nation possesses on the field, a blistering attacking force. One littered with young talent but held together by undeniable history and experience. A midfield and defensive contingent going through a bit of wholesale change – but of the sort which will capture out attention no doubt.
I think the nature of the game might be forgotten and the atmosphere will certainly remind the world of the quality we could see on a football pitch in this game. The French have everything in world football going forward, but their defensive prowess might have a nervous feel about it…one wonders whether the Dutch are able to take advantage?
Netherlands
I think this is a nation we will discuss at the highest level of European football for the foreseeable future. I promised myself I wouldn’t like everything in this article to the World Cup – but I can’t help it.
The Dutch campaign was electrifying, they have a side who embodies the usual Dutch flare we are accustomed to seeing throughout history, but they also have strength and poise, maturity, and an essence of infallibility!
I’m very excited to see how they navigate this new chapter in their illustrious career as a strong footballing nation. They face a French side who might not have the same sting we saw in the Middle East – which might play right into Dutch hand.
Verdict: Netherlands (16/5)
I think the men in orange make a massive statement this weekend. They play a brand of football which will ask questions of this French defence. They will be confident and rather buoyant and if they are – I think they have absolutely everything required to get a real statement result!
