Netherlands vs Qatar
FIFA World Cup
Group A
29th November 2022
Al Bayt Stadium
Preview
At least on paper, because of course the national selection of Qatar still welcomes all other teams and thus also Louis van Gaal’s team. However, things are not going too well for the said hosts so far. The first two group games could not be won and it is unlikely that this will change in the third and final group game. Because for Team Oranje there is still something at stake. They only played 1-1 against Ecuador. In this respect, a big win is needed to stay top of the table while Senegal meets Ecuador.
Timber, Van Dijk and Aké again formed the back three in defense in the last group game against Ecuador. Dumfries, Koopmeiners, de Jong and Blind played in the front row while Klaassen, Gakpo and Bergwijn started first in the front line of attack. Memphis Depay , arguably the team’s biggest star, also came on as a substitute against Ecuador. So far, there has been little to see of the stars of the host’s selection. Mohammed Muntari has scored the only goal for the hosts so far, who scored in the 3-1 defeat by Senegal and briefly reduced the deficit to 2-1 before Senegal scored for the third and final time. It remains to be seen how the hosts will say goodbye to this home World Cup. But for the reasons mentioned, a point win against the current leaders of the group would be quite surprising.
Netherlands
With a win, Louis van Gaal’s team would have a very good chance of moving into the round of 16 first, which would probably avoid a supposed “big chunk”. Because it seems not too unlikely that the Netherlands will win against Qatar more than Ecuador will against Senegal in the parallel game. At least the South American team has to win against the Africans, which alone is not too likely. After all, Senegal has three points in the group and could move into the next round themselves.
Qatar
The World Cup hosts will not be able to make it to the round of 16, but they will certainly want to say goodbye to the World Cup in their own country in a forgiving manner. There will probably not be a win against the Netherlands again, the quality of the last group opponent should be too good for that. However, you will want to do everything you can to not make a bad impression at this World Cup. Overall, one would probably have expected more from Qatar right from the start. In any case, with a respectable performance and a lot of commitment, you couldn’t blame the World Cup hosts for anything in this regard.
Netherlands vs Qatar: Odds
Netherlands to win both halves @ 2.25 odds.
Clean sheet: Netherlands @ 1.66 odds.
