France vs. Netherlands Odds, Predictions & Betting Tips
Our man Scott Thronton has provided us two betting angles ahead of France’s clash with the Netherlands on Friday which you can read about below in his betting preview.
France missed out on retaining the World Cup by the finest of margins. They lost the penalty shootout against Argentina after clawing their way back into the game. Mbappe became only the second man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final but his brilliance wasn’t enough. Didier Deschamps are among the favourites for the next major tournament but it remains to be seen if there will be a World Cup hangover when they take on the Netherlands.
The Netherlands were also eliminated from the World Cup on penalties at the hands of Argentina. A late rally and a wonderful set-piece routine wasn’t enough to earn them a place in the last four.
Wesley Fofana and William Slaiba are the only notable absences for the home side but they have the strength in depth to combat any injuries. Frenkie De Jong has withdrawn from the Dutch squad with injury. He is a focal point for the way they play and will be a big miss.
France vs Netherlands Tips
France were lacklustre heading into the World Cup. They had won just one of their six Nations League matches in the lead up to the tournament but they showed they were able to raise their game when it really mattered. They have been handed a tricky qualifying group for the European Championships. However, they have a knack of performing when it really matters under Deschamps. They eased through qualifying for the last Euros, collecting 25 points across 10 matches.
The Dutch haven’t been beaten in 90 minutes in their last 20 matches but they seldom played top quality opposition over this period. They played five matches against sides that are currently ranked in the top 15 over that period, they conceded in four of those. There has also been a great deal of change since they last played. Louis van Gaal has been replaced by Ronald Koeman. The former Barcelona manager will want to lead his team to the Euros after they missed out on making it to the finals in 2021. He has been out of management since he was dismissed by Barcelona in 2021.
Despite this solid run for the visitors, I can’t look past the home side here. Mbappe and co. look menacing going forward and they should be able to cut through the Dutch on Friday night. Deschamps’ side won 2-1 the last time they met at this ground. France are averaging 2.3 goals per game in their last 10 matches played on home soil and they are a decent price to win here.
France have won the last three meetings with the Dutch on this ground by an aggregate score of 8-1. De Jong’s absence makes the home side even more appealing.
France Half Time/Full Time & Kylian Mbappe To Score Anytime
France have led at half time in their last three matches against the Netherlands at the Parc de Princes. They should make a quick start here and the fans will give them plenty of backing after an inspiring World Cup run. I’m backing the home side to be in the ascendancy from the off and to be winning at the break.
Mbappe has six goals in his last five Ligue 1 matches leading into the break. The man who looks destined to become the World Cup’s all-time top scorer is scintillating for both club and country.
