World Cup qualifying is already firmly underway across the globe, and here in Europe, there are a few teams that are struggling out of the gate to get footing in the unforgiving group stage. When pots were drawn for qualifying, both France and the Netherlands really had to think that they were in good shape. One of the two would clearly be the automatic qualifiers as the group winners, while the latter would ultimately end up in a playoff against one of the other second place teams and would likely reach the World Cup that way. As it is though, both teams only have one point through one match, and at some point, nerves are going to set in for two very good programs.
This World Cup Qualifying duel will go down Monday, October 10, 2016, at 2:45 p.m. ET at Amsterdam Arena. The match will be televised live on FOX Sports 1.
Odds Analysis
La Oranje are sure to be favored in this match because they're at home, but this is for sure the toughest of the home fixtures to be played for the Dutch. The Netherlands has not played well of late here at home, and this could end up being a problem parlayed into bigger problems over the course of the next year and a half as the Dutch try their best to avoid the same fate at the World Cup that befell them when they didn't qualify for Euro 2016.
Roster Analysis
Part of the problems the Netherlands has had over the course of the last several years is the inability to adapt to an always-changing world of soccer tactics. The Dutch still love using their three men up front, but we're not sure they've got the right three in order to pull such an offensive 4-3-3 formation off. No longer are Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben reasonable options to slot into attacking formations for this team. Instead, Memphis Depay is expected to be the superstar in attack. He's just nowhere near a No. 9 at this point in his career for a major international team, and that's a huge problem in front of a midfield with really no experience to it outside of Wesley Sneijder.
The French meanwhile, have been excellent in recent years. They had a great go of it in Euro 2016, and a lot of that was thanks to the play of Antoine Griezmann, a man who has made himself an international superstar in a hurry after his play in the Euros. It's the defense that really makes this team go, though. Hugo Lloris is a fantastic keeper, while Bacary Sagna, Laurent Koscielny, Raphael Varane and Lucas Digne make up a tremendous back four.
Recent Form
World Cup qualification didn't start well for either of these teams. In fact, the only winner in Group A was Bulgaria, a 3-0 winner over Luxembourg. Of course, the Bulgarians aren't ultimately qualifying for the World Cup in all likelihood, but it's a good story for the time being.
The Dutch picked up a 1-1 draw against Sweden on the road. That's the type of result that can be built upon, but against a dangerous team like the Swedes who can absolutely steal a spot in the World Cup, you'd like to put them down in a hurry.
France was far more disappointing. The team went on the road to face Belarus in its opener and walked out without even a goal. Les Bleus did manage a point, but the nil-nil draw did nothing to boost the confidence of this roster.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
This is a tough one for sure. On French soil, we have no doubt that Les Bleus will walk away with three points, but here in Amsterdam, the story could be different. Still, we just don't think much of La Oranje. They aren't organized, aren't worthy of huge strikes up front, and all-in-all just don't seem like a team that will reach Russia. That's why we're going to back Les Bleus to come on the road and steal all three points, though a draw wouldn't be a shocking result either.
World Cup Qualifying Odds: France 2, Netherlands 1
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