Netherlands penultimate Euro 2016 qualifier takes place on Saturday with the Oranje needing a victory in Kazakhstan. Kick off 5pm.
- Follow Football-Oranje on Twitter
After reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup last year its hard to believe that Netherlands could fail to reach the 2016 Euro’s in France. However after a shocking qualifying campaign so far, that is the reality now facing the Oranje, who sit fourth in Group A going into the final game-week.
There is still a glimmer of hope for Danny Blind’s side, but to reach the play-offs Netherlands need to record wins over Kazakhstan on Saturday and then the Czech Republic on Tuesday, while hoping Turkey drop at least three points from their final two games (versus Czech Republic and Iceland)
Robin van Persie is set to win his 100th cap during Saturday’s must win game, and the Netherlands captain is refusing to give up hope on qualifying for the Euros.
Van Persie said to De Telegraaf, “Don’t ask me why, but I believe Turkey will definitely spill points in their last two games,”
“It is now up to us to ensure we bag the full three points in both of our last two games. That is all that matters. It is not important how we win, so long as we win.”
Netherlands go into the game without a number of key players after Arjen Robben, Stefan de Vrij, Darly Janmaat and Davy Klaassen all succumb to injuries, while Bruno Martins Indi is suspended.
Blind has been forced to call in a number of debutante’s to cover the absentee’s with Ajax trio Kenny Tete, Anwar El Ghazi and Riechedly Bazoer all in line for their first cap, while Virgil van Dijk will be hoping for his first appearance in Oranje.
The coach was keeping quiet about his line-up during Thursday’s press conference but confirmed Tete will play, while during training he has practiced with both Klaas jan Huntelaar and Robin van Persie playing up front together.
Possible Netherlands line-up: Cillessen, Tete, Blind, Bruma, Van Dijk, Anita, Sneijder, Wijnaldum, Memphis, Van Persie, Huntelaar
Opponents Kazakhstan currently sit bottom of Group A without a win, but will have gained confidence from the 0-0 draw they gained against Iceland last month. During the reverse fixture in the Netherlands, Kazakhstan shocked the Amsterdam Arena by taking the lead before going down 3-1 and they will be looking to frustrate the Dutch on Saturday to leave their chances of qualifying in tatters.
For Netherlands supporters a victory is all that matters on Saturday, but attention will then turn to Prague in hope that the Czech Republic can do the Oranje a favour and beat Turkey. If Turkey draw or win then Netherlands chances of qualifying may be all but over going into the final game on Tuesday.
Possible Netherlands line-up:
Cillessen,
Tete, Bruma, Van Dijk, Riedewald
Blind,
Sneijder, Wijnaldum,
Lens ,Huntelaar, memphis
4-1-2-3
Hope to see el ghazi,making his debut!