National team manager Danny Blind believes his Netherlands side can beat France on Friday when the two nations meet in Amsterdam. He also confirmed that Wesley Sneijder would not play any part due to injury.
- By James Rowe
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France have already triumphed in the Amsterdam Arena this year, having beat Blind’s Oranje 3-2 in a friendly in March. However, the head coach has seen enough from his side in the win over Belarus which gives him the belief that they can defeat the European Championship finalists and take control of the group.
Blind told his press conference, ”The game against France will be completely different to the one against Belarus and we must take the game to France and show initiative. We are playing against a very strong opponent with players who are used to playing top level matches week in week out and they are also physically strong too.
”I think we can win again France because we are in form and France also have their weak points such as giving away space that we can exploit. We will play to win.”
Wesley Sneijder was a doubt for the game on Monday and Blind has now confirmed the veteran will play no part against France, ”I can confirm that Wesley Sneijder will play no part in tomorrow’s game due to injury. I have enough replacements in the squad and I have already made my choice but I will let the group know that tomorrow ”