The Netherlands needs a draw against hosts Qatar to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup. Qatar has left the competition quicker than any other host nation due to consecutive losses in their first two games. They became only the second host nation to be knocked out of the World Cup in the group stages. They still have an opportunity to win back some pride, but it will be difficult to topple Louis van Gaal’s Oranje.
Netherlands team news
Memphis Depay has been gradually returning to the lineup under Van Gaal following an injury, and he might make his tournament debut here. Teun Koopmeiners might be replaced in the starting lineup by Steven Berghuis, and Davy Klaassen is likely to move back to the bench.
Qatar team news
Manager Felix Sanchez may use some of the players who helped the game turn because Qatar was significantly better in the second half of their loss against Senegal. Mohammed Muntari is expected to get the start as compensation for scoring their first goal of the competition.
Netherlands vs Qatar World Cup prediction
The Netherlands will be eager to show off their attacking prowess once more after their performance against Ecuador last time out, especially against a poor Qatari team. The Maroons’ fate has already been decided, so even though they won’t have much pressure on them in the first games, the caliber gap between them and the Dutch will still be very telling.
Prediction: Netherlands 3-0 Qatar
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