Euro Qualifiers Group B Preview: The Netherlands Cannot Afford to Slip, France's Captain Faces a More Challenging Personal Goal

The Euro Qualifiers Group B continues in the early hours of September 8th, Beijing time, with high stakes for both the Netherlands and France. The Netherlands, struggling post-World Cup, face immense pressure, exacerbated by recent comments from former coach Louis van Gaal. Meanwhile, France looks poised to secure their spot, with their main focus now on helping new captain Kylian Mbappe break personal scoring records.

The Netherlands vs. Greece - The Return of the World Cup Hero

The Netherlands' performance has been dismal since the World Cup. Their Euro Qualifiers campaign started disastrously with a 4-0 loss to France, a match in which they were already trailing 3-0 within the first 20 minutes. Captain Virgil van Dijk led a defense that seemed paper-thin, and veteran goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen had a nightmare performance. To make matters worse, Memphis Depay’s performance was more notable in defensive blunders than offensive contributions.

Their second match against Gibraltar should have been an opportunity to boost their goal difference. However, the Dutch attack was lackluster, and they managed only a 3-0 win despite having 19 corner kicks and 51 shots. Gibraltar was down to 10 men just six minutes into the second half, yet the Netherlands couldn't capitalize significantly. New head coach Ronald Koeman’s second tenure has started poorly, with only one win in four matches, leaving fans deeply disappointed.

Greece, on the other hand, has not qualified for the European Championship finals for 12 years and has also missed the last two World Cups. It is time for a change. Uruguayan coach Gustavo Poyet, appointed in January last year, has led Greece to an impressive record. They have won eight of their last 14 matches, including two victories in the current Euro Qualifiers. Beating Gibraltar away was expected, but securing three points at home against Ireland was strategically significant. In their recent away match against France, Greece showed resilience, losing narrowly by a single goal even after being reduced to 10 men in the 69th minute.

Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert, who was solid during the World Cup, returns to replace Cillessen. His presence should bring more stability to the team. A 2-2 draw seems a plausible outcome for this match, given the current form and the stakes for both teams.

France vs. Ireland - Mbappe Chasing Personal Milestones

Having avoided the Nations League, World Cup runners-up France have already played four Euro Qualifiers matches, maintaining a perfect record with four wins and no goals conceded, just like Portugal. Securing their qualification seems only a matter of time. The main focus for Les Bleus in the latter half of the qualifiers will be to support captain Kylian Mbappe in his bid for the top scorer title in the qualifiers. Mbappe is also chasing the all-time top scorer title for the French national team. He is currently 14 goals behind Olivier Giroud, leading the chart. Mbappe's goal-scoring rate of 0.57 goals per game matches that of the legendary Michel Platini, second only to the mythical Just Fontaine.

Ireland, the "Boys in Green," have missed the last two major international tournaments, the 2020 European Championship and the 2022 World Cup. Drawn into a tough group for the current Euro Qualifiers, their prospects look bleak. After losing their first two matches, Ireland seized a lifeline by defeating Gibraltar and turning their goal difference positive. Though France is a formidable opponent, Ireland cannot afford to drop points lightly, as it could prematurely end their qualifying campaign.

In their first encounter, Ireland managed to hold France to an evenly matched game on home soil, successfully neutralizing Mbappe. Both teams had 11 shots, but Benjamin Pavard’s goal decided the game in favor of France. In the return leg, Ireland must aim for victory, while France can comfortably play on the counterattack. Mbappe's speed could be a decisive factor, and a 3-0 victory for France, maintaining their perfect record, seems likely.

The Netherlands' Struggles

The Dutch national team has been in a downward spiral since the World Cup. Their defense, once a fortress, has crumbled under pressure. The absence of key players and the poor form of veterans like Cillessen have left the team vulnerable. Koeman's return has not been the rejuvenating force fans hoped for, and the team's offensive struggles further compound their woes. The match against Greece is crucial; a failure to secure a decisive win could spell disaster for their qualifying campaign.

Greece, under Poyet, has shown remarkable improvement. Their strategic victories and resilient performances have boosted the team’s morale. The Greek squad is well-balanced, with a mix of experienced players and promising young talents. Their defensive solidity and tactical discipline will be key in their match against the Netherlands.

France's Unstoppable Form

France’s national team is riding high on confidence. Their flawless performance in the qualifiers so far is a testament to their depth and quality. Coach Didier Deschamps has managed to build a squad that combines experience and youthful exuberance. Mbappe, as the new captain, has embraced his role with gusto, leading from the front and setting new targets for himself and the team.

The French squad’s focus on helping Mbappe break records adds an interesting narrative to their campaign. With Giroud still active and contributing, the healthy competition between the two could push both to new heights. France’s ability to rotate players without losing quality makes them a formidable opponent in any match.

Ireland, despite their struggles, have shown flashes of brilliance. Their performance against France in the first leg demonstrated their potential to compete against top teams. However, consistency remains an issue. The return leg against France will test their resolve and tactical acumen. They must exploit any weaknesses in the French defense while maintaining a solid backline to stand a chance.

The Road Ahead

The Euro Qualifiers are a test of endurance, strategy, and resilience. For the Netherlands, the path forward is fraught with challenges. They must regroup, refine their strategies, and execute their game plan flawlessly to secure their place in the finals. The return of key players like Noppert and a more settled defense will be crucial.

For France, the qualifiers are an opportunity to solidify their dominance and set new records. Mbappe’s quest for personal milestones adds an exciting subplot to their campaign. Maintaining their perfect record while integrating new talents and managing the workload of star players will be key to their success.

As the qualifiers progress, the dynamics of each group will shift, and new challenges will emerge. Teams like Greece and Ireland will look to upset the traditional powerhouses and carve their path to the finals. The journey is as much about individual brilliance as it is about team cohesion and tactical mastery. The upcoming matches will provide a clearer picture of who has the mettle to compete on Europe’s grandest stage.