Both the Netherlands and France got off to winning starts at Euro 2024 and now the pair go head-to-head in what could prove to be the Group D decider.
Neither side were overly convincing in the manner of their matchday one victory but the only thing that really mattered was securing all three points in what has been dubbed the ‘group of death'.
We're bringing you our predictions for Friday's clash which has the potential to be one of the most entertaining games of the group stage.
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Netherlands vs France prediction: Goals expected in Leipzig
Key Stats
- Five of the last seven head-to-heads between these two countries have produced over 2.5 goals.
- Each of the Netherland's last six international matches have witnessed at least three goals.
- France have scored at least two goals in five of their last seven games against the Dutch.
- The Netherlands have scored two or more goals in five of their last six outings.
Pre-game odds and win probability: France the favourite
- HOME: 28/11 (3.55) – 28.2%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 7/6 (2.17) – 46.2%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
France are the expected winner of this game with a probability of 46.2%, but we are predicting a close and competitive 90 minutes between the pair.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Last five H2Hs: Les Bleus lead
France have picked up four wins and one defeat from their last five games against the Netherlands, running out 2-1 winners when the pair last locked horns in October.
Euro 2024 21/06/24
Netherlands
France
Euro 2023 Qualifying 13/10/23
Netherlands
France
Euro 2023 Qualifying 24/03/23
France
Netherlands
UEFA Nations League 16/11/18
Netherlands
France
UEFA Nations League 09/09/18
France
Netherlands
Netherlands preview: Saved late on
Ronald Koeman's side fell behind in their opening game against Poland after 16 minutes but responded well to go in at the break level thanks to a 29th-minute equaliser from Liverpool's Cody Gakpo.
The Netherlands always looked the more dangerous in the second half but proved wasteful in front of goal until the introduction of Wout Weghorst in the 81st minute who scored with his first shot two minutes later to win the game.
The Dutch will have to be more clinical against France this week but will fancy their chances of getting something out of the game.
Predicted lineup: Verbruggen (GK), de Vrij, Aké, van Dijk, Dumfries, Schouten, Veerman, Reijnders, Weghorst, Depay & Gakpo
UEFA Nations League 23/03/25
L
Spain
3 (5)
Netherlands
3 (4)
UEFA Nations League 20/03/25
D
Spain
2
Netherlands
2
UEFA Nations League A 19/11/24
D
Bosnia-Herzegovina
1
Netherlands
1
UEFA Nations League A 16/11/24
W
Hungary
0
Netherlands
4
UEFA Nations League A 14/10/24
L
Germany
1
Netherlands
0
France preview: Left battered and bruised
An own goal in the 38th minute proved enough for France to claim a 1-0 victory against a tough Austrian side on Monday night.
A draw might have been the fair result but Austria lacked that finishing touch, while Kylian Mbappe, who had a decent game, had to leave the pitch early due to a broken nose.
It will be interesting to see if the Real Madrid striker recovers in time to face the Netherlands as everything good for the French seemed to come through Mbappe against Austria.
Predicted lineup: Maignan (GK), Hernández, Upamecano, Koundé, Saliba, Kanté, Rabiot, Griezmann, Dembélé, Thuram & Mbappé
UEFA Nations League 23/03/25
W
Croatia
0
France
2
UEFA Nations League 20/03/25
L
Croatia
2
France
0
UEFA Nations League A 17/11/24
W
Italy
1
France
3
UEFA Nations League A 14/11/24
D
Israel
0
France
0
UEFA Nations League A 14/10/24
W
Belgium
1
France
2
Player to watch – Wout Weghorst
Wout Weghorst has never really found a home at club level since leaving Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in 2022.
The Burnley striker failed to make an impression in the Premier League both during his time at Turf Moor as well as his loan spell at Manchester United.
Further loan deals at Besiktas and Hoffenheim saw the big Dutch forward's goal return improve but he seems to save his best performances for the national team. Weghorst has scored 12 times in 34 caps and after netting the winner against Poland, the Burnley man might get his chance to start against the French on Friday.
Continues to shine for the Netherlands
We're backing Weghorst to make an impression in this game whether that be from the bench or the starting lineup as his height and strength make him tough for centre-backs to deal with at set-pieces or from crosses.
The latest Tweets from each camp
Netherlands
? De Oranje Fanzone gaat in verband met verwacht noodweer niet open om 13.00 uur. We hopen om 16.00 uur alsnog open te mogen.
? Houd de KNVB Oranje-app in de gaten voor de meest recente updates: https://t.co/khKJ9hrIyX. pic.twitter.com/DkvJXlr0lF
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) June 21, 2024
France
Back at their old stadium ?️ #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/EBdxXbsuFk
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) June 20, 2024