Thursday evening, at 19:45, the Netherlands receives England’s visit to Guimaraes in the UEFA Nations League play-off semifinals. The two were group performers, and odds for wins are very generous: 3.15 for battles and 2.50 for Britons.
The balance of direct duels between the two national teams is very balanced, with 6 wins on each side and 0 draws recorded. It will be the first time the two meet in an elimination match, which contributes to the drama of the game. The Netherlands was unbeaten by 5 matches before the defeat in front of Germany (2-3) and the first goal could be essential in Portugal: “Orange Mecanica” won the first goal in 6 of the previous seven defeats, which will further motivate Southgate’s team.
The English team is on the side after a series of five consecutive wins, which confirm the excellent results of the World Cup. Since they have scored both teams in four of the last five direct duels between England and the Netherlands, we have every reason to believe that we will witness a game full of technical quality and occasions. However, the important stake of the semifinals could urge both camps to caution. Memphis Depay will be the most dangerous player in the Netherlands with five goals in the last five matches played at the national team. On the opposite side, Raheem Sterling is rested after the Premier League season and hopes to re-form a deadly partnership with Harry Kane, Tottenham’s scorer.
Before the failure with Germany, which I mentioned above, the Netherlands had won the games with Belarus (4-0) and France (2-0) in a clear manner, drawing with Germany in the away (2-2) and Belgium (1 -1), in a friendly. England has scored five goals with the Czech Republic (5-0) and Montenegro (5-1) and combines excellently the flair and the enthusiasm of some youngsters with the experience and maturity of some football players who have reached the maximum in their career.
The last time the two nationals met, England won 1-0 in Amsterdam, thanks to the goal scored by Lingard, after a fierce match. It was a rematch after the Netherlands victory in London, 2-1, in a friendly match in 2016. We note that the host team has not won this seven-game duel (!), But neutral terrain anyway makes this insignificant detail . It is certain that goal bets have been winning in 4 of the last 5 direct games, and in Thursday’s game we are expecting a similar scenario between two talented teams.
PREDICTION: Both teams to score / YES @ 1,70
