Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Euro 2024 match.
Netherlands
The Netherlands beat Canada and Iceland (4:0 in both cases) in the friendly games played before the start of Euro 2024. The Dutch side proved that they could play well without de Jong and Koopmeiners in the first game against Poland. The PSV players Veerman and Schouten were perfect both in defence and attack. The Netherlands had 1.50 xG with 20 shots. They won (2:1) but let Poland create a lot, anyway. The Dutch defensive line isn’t perfect. Poland made 11 shots, with 7 of them being on target.
France
France will be dangerous in attack even without Mbappé. At the end of the game versus Austria (1:0) Thuram and Kolo Muani were good, with Giroud as a centre-forward. If Coman and Barcola appear on the pitch, France will have new options to score. The side had 2.09 xG in the first game, and it wasn’t only Mbappé who contributed to this result.
Netherlands – France prediction
The fact that the Netherlands and France beat their opponents in the first game doesn’t guarantee them anything. France will play without Mbappé, the Netherlands have proved they can deal with the problems.
In October, the Netherlands played well against France (1:2). The French team will be closer to winning the game, but the Dutch side will score.
