Verdict: Netherlands to win both halves
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
Simply looking to extend on their dominant Group G romp, the Netherlands will welcome Finland to Amsterdam on Sunday evening.
Netherlands
Starting with the hosts, while the Netherlands might have suffered Nations League heartbreak back in March as they watched their knockout stage adventure come to an end at the hands of reigning European champions Spain, Ronald Koeman’s men haven’t shown any signs of a hangover. Last seen earlier in the week cruising their way to a routine 4-0 romp away at Malta, the former Barcelona boss has seen his superstar squad lay down a real qualifying marker. Getting their Group G adventure underway with a 2-0 win away at Finland, Holland will be seeking a repeat performance here. Already putting 13 points on the board from their first five World Cup qualifying appearances, the Netherlands have also gained a real reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. In fact, Sunday’s hosts have already notched 18 goals on their qualifying charge.
Netherlands Team News
Coming off the bench and finding the net in midweek, skipper Memphis Depay could be handed a full recall and replace Ajax marksman Wout Weghorst in the final third. However, bagging a brace earlier in the week and enjoying a bright start with Liverpool, Cody Gakpo should play a leading role in attack.
Appearing to have only further underlined his status as Koeman’s number one choice between the sticks, Brighton shot-stopper Bart Verbruggen will keep his spot. Opening his World Cup qualifying account on Thursday and making an immediate impact after completing a summer switch to Manchester City, Tijjani Reijnders will start in the middle of the park.
Finland
As for the visitors, mounting what was an essential second-half comeback on home soil earlier in the week as they dragged themselves to a 2-1 victory against Lithuania, Finland should take plenty of positives away from their eye-catching qualifying campaign. Despite coming under plenty of scrutiny last year as they lost their Nations League second-tier status with a real whimper, Jacob Friis’ men have come roaring back in an impressive fashion. Springing an upset on June 10th as they secured a 2-1 win against Poland, the former Viborg boss finds his squad well in the hunt to secure a stellar silver medal finish in Group G. Getting Sunday’s trip to Holland underway with just their goal difference keeping them outside the play-off spot, Finland should be relishing a heavyweight challenge here.
Finland Team News
While skipper and record-breaker Teemu Pukki might have been left as an unused substitute against Lithuania earlier in the week, the former Norwich ace could be handed a full recall and earn a 132nd international cap here.
Once again finding the net on Thursday and now remarkably getting on the scoresheet in all of his last three consecutive Group G appearances, Hannover striker Benjamin Kallman should play a leading role in attack. Despite dealing with a recent knock, ex-Leeds star Glen Kamara will keep his spot in the middle of the park.
Netherlands vs Finland Key Factors to Consider
When the Netherlands and Finland met for their reverse Group G showdown on June 7th, Sunday’s guests collected a 2-0 victory on foreign soil.
Holland have won all of their previous five straight meetings against Finland by an aggregate score of 13-2.
The Netherlands have registered 13 points from their first five World Cup qualifying appearances.
Finland have recorded just a single competitive victory on foreign soil since way back in November 2023.
Hannover striker Benjamin Kallman has found the net in all of his previous three consecutive Group G appearances.
Conclusion
Putting in what was another routine performance earlier in the week as they cruised their way to a 4-0 romp away at Malta, the Netherlands have embarked on a major qualifying romp this year. Already putting 13 points on the board from their five Group G appearances, Koeman’s superstar squad have also continued to shine with their free-scoring displays in the final third. Likewise, winning all of their previous five straight meetings against Finland by an aggregate score of 13-2, it is no surprise why the European icons are installed as such a landslide contender here.
Verdict: Netherlands to win both halves
Best Odds: 19/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
