2024 Germany UEFA Euro Qualifiers: France vs Netherlands, Footballant's Pre-Match Prediction.
On Sunday evening this week, the first round of the 2024 European Championship qualifiers in Germany will see a heavyweight showdown as the World Cup runner-up, France, hosts the Netherlands at the "Stade de France".
Both teams are highly anticipated traditional football powerhouses, with players' strength and tactical level at the world's top level. Footballant will predict the outcome of the France vs Netherlands match by analyzing the strength of both teams.
France Analysis
Currently ranked third in the FIFA world rankings and first among European teams, France has twice won the World Cup and recently took home the silver medal at the Qatar World Cup, displaying the team's resilience by drawing 3-3 with Argentina in the final.
France has won six, drawn one, and lost three of their last ten matches, scoring 17 goals and conceding ten. Their recent performance has been outstanding, with 17 goals scored showcasing the team's powerful attacking capabilities. Their lineup is also extremely luxurious, with many world-class players such as Mbappe, Griezmann, and Giroud, and they are equally strong in defense.
Netherlands Analysis
The Netherlands is ranked sixth in the FIFA world rankings and fourth among European teams. The team has a glorious record in football history, reaching the World Cup final three times but unfortunately finishing as runners-up each time. In the recently concluded World Cup, the Netherlands achieved an unbeaten record of three wins and two draws, only losing to the eventual champion, Argentina, in a penalty shootout.
The Netherlands has won seven, drawn three, and not lost a single match in their last ten games. However, compared to the French team, the level of stars in the Netherlands team is slightly inferior, lacking world-class players.
Head-to-Head Record
In the eight previous encounters between the two teams, France has won five, drawn one, and lost two, giving them a psychological advantage. Moreover, France has reached the final in two consecutive World Cups, winning one championship and one runner-up, and has extensive experience in major tournaments. The mental toughness of the French players is very strong, and their performance in key matches is also outstanding. In contrast, the Netherlands team has a disadvantage in strength due to the lack of support from world-class players.
Odds Analysis
William Hill's initial odds were 1.85, 3.6, 4.2, indicating that the bookmakers favored the French team, but the home win odds of 1.85 were not a very safe position, which suggests that the confidence in the French team was not very strong. The draw odds of 3.6 seemed high, and the loss odds of 4.2 were low. Later, the odds were adjusted to 1.83, 3.5, 4.4, with the home win and draw odds both lowered, and the away win odds raised. Obviously, the bookmakers were guarding against a draw, so we shouldn't rely too much on a home win.
Match Result Prediction
Overall, the French team has more advantages in this game. Their recent results, player strength, and psychological advantage are all factors in their favor. In addition, the support of the European odds suggests that the French team is expected to win the game. Although the Netherlands team also has some competitiveness, they can only hope to draw at best, making it difficult for them to win.
Footballant's prediction for the France vs Netherlands match result is that the French team will win or draw.