Netherlands will be hoping to get off to the best possible start when they play Finland in their U21 UEFA European Championship opener in Slovakia on Thursday night. The Dutch have won this competition twice before, but not since 2007, while Finland have never won the tournament.
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Finland U21 vs Netherlands U21 prediction: Dutch should stroll to victory
Key stats
- Finland have lost two of their last three games in all competitions.
- Netherlands are on a three-match winning run, and their unbeaten streak stretches even further to 10 matches.
- Netherlands have won the previous eight H2Hs.
Correct score prediction: Finland U21 0-2 Netherlands U21
Having won the previous eight meetings, anything other than a Netherlands victory would be somewhat of a surprise. Finland have been rather toothless in front of goal of late as well, so the Dutch could even win to-nil.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Netherlands heavily fancied by bookmakers
- HOME: 11/2 (6.50) – 15.4%
- DRAW: 19/5 (4.80) – 20.8 %
- AWAY: 4/9 (1.44) – 69.2%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, the Netherlands are heavily favoured to mark their group stage opener with all three points. A draw is only rated as having just over a 20% chance, with a Finland victory highly unlikely at just over 15%.
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Most recent H2Hs: Netherlands completely dominant
As previously mentioned, Netherlands have remarkably won the last eight meetings between these two teams. Finland have failed to score in the last three, so the Dutch should be confident of a fairly comfortable victory.
U21 International 24/03/17
Netherlands U21
Finland U21
Finland U21 preview: Terho injury rules him out
Casper Terho picked up a serious injury at club level back in April, and so is ruled out for this one. Otherwise, Finland have a full squad to choose from.
Predicted lineup: Bergstrom (GK), Galvez, Jansson, Naamo, Ylitolva, Peltola, Jukkola, Walta, Skytta, Keskinen & Liimatta
U21 International 25/03/25
W
Slovenia U21
0
Finland U21
1
U21 International 22/03/25
L
Georgia U21
4
Finland U21
2
European U21 Championship Qual 19/11/24
L
Norway U21
2
Finland U21
1
European U21 Championship Qual 15/11/24
W
Norway U21
1
Finland U21
5
European U21 Championship Qual 15/10/24
W
Montenegro U21
1
Finland U21
2
Netherlands U21 preview: Eredivisie stars set to start
The Netherlands have a fully fit squad to choose from, and plenty of Eredivisie stars could see themselves in the starting XI come Thursday night. Ajax midfield players Kenneth Taylor and Youri Regeer are likely to occupy the middle of the park, while AZ Alkmaar's Ruben van Bommel should be in the forward line.
Predicted lineup: Owusu-Oduro (GK), Salah-Eddine, Goes, Hato, Maatsen, Taylor, Regeer, Valente, Poku, Van Bommel & Ohio
Youth International 06/06/25
W
Ivory Coast U23
0
Netherlands U21
3
U21 International 25/03/25
W
Romania U21
0
Netherlands U21
2
U21 International 21/03/25
W
Italy U21
1
Netherlands U21
2
U21 International 18/11/24
D
England U21
1
Netherlands U21
1
U21 International 14/11/24
D
Slovakia U21
3
Netherlands U21
3
Player to watch: Jorell Hato
Teenager Jorell Hato already has a big reputation heading into the tournament. Indeed, the Dutchman is already one of the best young defenders in the world.
Hato is already a regular at club level with Ajax, and is thought by some in his own country to be the natural successor to Liverpool superstar Virgil van Dijk. Nonetheless, a lot of eyes will be on him in Slovakia, including potential big-name suitors around Europe's top leagues.