The Netherlands enter their final group game of Euro 2024 needing a result to secure their place in the round of 16. Ronald Koeman’s side’s final group fixture will be held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 25 at 5 pm. After beating Poland, Austria now sit one point behind Oranje, the loser should qualify as one of the best third places but, that would give them a harder round-of-16 matchup. The two teams last met in the Euro 2021 group stage, the Dutch won 2-0 thanks to goals from Denzel Dumfries and Memphis Depay. Here is our Netherlands predicted lineup as Oranje looks to seal their place in the knockout stages.
Netherlands Predicted Lineup Vs. Austria For June 25
How the Netherlands Have Lined Up Recently
The Netherlands went with a brave attacking lineup against France. There was one change from their opening win over Poland, Jeremie Frimpong replaced Joey Veerman. Bart Verbruggen continued to justify his selection with some vital saves. The Brighton goalkeeper’s 98% pass accuracy helped his team evade France’s press.
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In defence, Dumfries didn’t win any of his six duels and was moved to right wing when Lutsharel Geertruida replaced Frimpong in the 73rd minute. The trio of Nathan Ake, Virgil Van Dijk, and Stefan De Vrijj continued their impressive start to the tournament. Bayern Munich star Mattijs De Ligt is likely to continue having to watch Euro 2024 from the bench.
In Midfield, Jerdy Schouten had a much better game against France and completed 94% of his passes. Tijjani Reijnders proved he can play a deeper midfield role on the biggest stage. Xavi Simons looked more comfortable in a central position and was unlucky to have his goal disallowed. It would be surprising to see Koeman change his engine room against Austria.
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In attack, Frimpong struggled to get involved, the Bayer Leverkusen star had just 29 touches and didn’t complete a dribble. Cody Gakpo continued his impressive start to the tournament by being the Netherlands’ most threatening attacker. Depay struggled again against France and the 30-year-old’s place in the starting lineup is under threat from Poland match winner Wout Weghorst.
Recent Form and Tactics
The draw against France brought a run of three wins in a row to an end. Oranje still hasn’t beaten a team in the top 20 of the FIFA World Rankings since the 2022 World Cup. This will concern fans if Koeman’s side reaches the latter stages of Euro 2024. Winning and topping the group will put them on the same side of the draw as Group C’s winner (possibly England) and see them avoid Germany and Spain.
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During the tournament so far, Koeman has gone with a 4-2-3-1 formation. The former Barcelona manager has a squad filled with unproven young talent and has shown an eagerness to give them chances. 21-year-old Simons has started both games and improved against France. Reijnders has taken the injured Frenkie de Jong’s role as a deep-lying playmaker, the AC Milan star only misplaced one of his 34 attempted passes.
Injuries to Consider
Brian Brobbey is the only injury concern in the Netherlands squad. The Ajax striker has been struggling with a hamstring injury he suffered in the build-up to the tournament. Joshua Zirkzee was called up to cover for the 22-year-old but he has yet to play a part. Oranje have survived the first two games of Euro 2024 without any fresh injury concerns.
Netherlands Predicted Lineup
Gk: Bart Verbruggen
RB: Denzel Dumfries
CB: Stefan de Vrijj’
CB: Virgil van Dijk
LB: Nathan Ake
DM: Jerdy Schouten
DM: Tijjani Reijnders
AM: Xavi Simons
LW: Cody Gakpo
RW: Jeremie Frimpong
ST: Wout Weghorst