Netherlands and France clash on Monday night in Amsterdam in Group A of World Cup qualifying, with both teams hoping to secure a vital win.
The home side surprisingly failed to make Euro 2016, but will be looking to beat France to the automatic qualification spot in Group A. Danny Blind’s side are currently top of the group following an opening game draw with Sweden and a 4-1 home mauling of Belarus last time out.
France started this group as favourites to make it through to the World Cup, so the two games between these two teams could be pivotal to how the group turns out. A victory for France would definitely hand the initiative to Les Bleus. However, a home win could tip the balance in favour of the Dutch.
Perennial tournament qualifiers Sweden will also be in the mix for qualification, even if it is only for the runners-up spot.
France started their campaign with a goalless draw in Belarus and then recorded a 4-1 win over Bulgaria. Sweden are only trailing the leading pair on goal difference. The Scandinavians could move to the top of the group if the Dutch and French draw and they manage to defeat Bulgaria at home.
There now seems to be some dull optimism among the Oranje fans that their national team are improving. Clashes between the pair have produced mixed results in recent years, but the Dutch have won just two of the last ten meetings in all competitions.
The Oranje did win their last competitive meeting, though, winning 4-1 in the group stages of Euro 2008. There is very little difference between the two teams over the previous 24 international meetings, with the Netherlands winning ten times, France winning 11 times and three games ending in draws.
This game promises to be a fascinating encounter, but with both sides determined to come out on top this game could be very tight and finish all-square.