Les Bleus return to competitive action for the first time since losing the 2022 World Cup final and these France vs. Netherlands predictions offer an update on the post-Qatar picture for both sides. Didier Deschamps has extended his contract with France and the Netherlands have brought back Ronald Koeman as Louis van Gaal’s replacement.
France vs. Netherlands odds
1 – France to win – 13/15
2 – Under 2.5 goals scored – 4/5
3 – Both teams not to score – 11/12
4 – Kylian Mbappe to score anytime – 11/8
5 – France to win 2-0 – 42/5
France’s defeat in the 2022 World Cup final ended their chances of becoming just the third international side to defend the trophy, as Lionel Messi’s Argentina emerged victorious. Despite the heartbreak of losing in Qatar, Deschamps’ France still boast one of the strongest squads in world football.
France’s incredible home record has dipped in the last 12 months, with UEFA Nations League losses in Saint-Denis, against Denmark and Croatia last summer. But they will be confident of defeating Koeman on his Dutch return.
How the Dutch players react to Koeman taking over from van Gaal will be crucial in deciding their Euro 2024 fate, with the Oranje prone to a qualification capitulation.
With very little to work on in terms of form, a low scoring contest looks to be a strong option, as France have only managed to score three goals on home soil in the last year and the Dutch only scored over 2.5 goals in two of their five World Cup matches.
Mbappe’s heroics in the final almost sealed an incredible comeback for Deschamps’ defending champions, as he swooped to pick up the Golden Boot award with eight tournament goals. The PSG superstar is France’s top scorer in the last 12 months, with 12 goals, and he will be confident of getting on the scoresheet as he takes a break from speculation over his club future at the Parc des Princes.
Deschamps and Koeman will be the two pre-game talking points, with France opting to stick with their boss instead of bringing in Zinedine Zidane – and Koeman given a second chance by the Dutch. But the hosts should have a clear edge to open qualification with a win.
How to stream France vs. Netherlands
You can watch France vs. Netherlands live on Friday night on Viaplay 1 and Viaplay UK.
France vs. Netherlands last five matches
France last five matches
Netherlands last five matches
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09-12-2022 19:00
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03-12-2022 15:00
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29-11-2022 15:00
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25-11-2022 16:00
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21-11-2022 16:00
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France top goalscorers
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Netherlands top goalscorers
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France vs. Netherlands line-ups
France (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Pavard, Upamecano, Konate, T. Hernandez; Rabiot, Tchouameni; Coman, Griezmann, Mbappe; Giroud
Netherlands (4-3-3): Cillessen; Timber, de Light, van Dijk, Ake; de Roon, de Jong, Wijnaldum; Bergwijn, Weghorst, Gakpo
France team news
Deschamps’ plans have been disrupted by issues in defence, with William Saliba forced to pull out due to injury and Raphael Varane retiring from international football at the start of 2023. Mike Maignan will replace former captain Hugo Lloris in goal but the majority of France’s key names have been called up.
Netherlands team news
Koeman has confirmed his plan to revert back to a traditional Dutch 4-3-3 system in the Euro 2024 qualifiers and that will begin in Paris. English Premier League stars Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Wout Weghorst and Cody Gakpo are all in line to start.