Netherlands take on Qatar in their final World Cup group game on Tuesday. The kick-off is at 15:00 BST.
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The Netherlands got off to a perfect start in Qatar after defeating Senegal 2-0 but their performance against Ecuador was poor and they could only manage a 1-1 draw. That means the Netherlands go into the final group game still not assured of a place in the knockout rounds.
Louis van Gaal’s side are top of the group at the moment but they are only ahead of Ecuador because of fair play points.
Ecuador faces Senegal in the group’s other clash and the Netherlands needs to better the South American side’s result in order to ensure the top spot.
Despite the poor showing against Ecuador, Van Gaal does not think he needs to change formation against Qatar, who are already eliminated, “Every match here at the World Cup is difficult. You can see that in the results and in all draws. You see small victories, with exceptions. Qatar also plays in a 1-5-3-2 system, then you get systems against each other and it becomes a chess match. That’s not always fun to watch, but it’s a way to move forward.”
Team News
It is likely that Memphis Depay will begin up front for Oranje, having only been used as a substitute so far after recovering from injury.
Xavi Simons has been impressing Van Gaal in training but the 19-year-old is not expected to make his debut from the start. Jeremie Frimpong is the other that will be hoping to make his first appearance off the bench.
Memphis is likely to come into the eleven in place of Steven Bergwijn, who has failed to impress so far. It is unclear whether Teun Koopmeiners and Davy Klaassen will remain in the eleven. Marten de Roon is pushing for a start.
Possible Netherlands line-up: Noppert, Dumfries, Blind, Timber, Ake, Van Dijk, De Jong, De Roon, Berghuis, Memphis, Gakpo
Qatar are playing for pride and some of their players will be eager to get a chance in their final World Cup clash.
Mohammed Muntari impressed off the bench against Senegal and he may come into the attack.
Possible Qatar line-up: Barsham, Miguel, Khoukhi, Hassan, Mohammad, Hatem, Madibo, Al-Haydos, Ahmed, Ali, Muntari
Odds
Netherlands 1/5 Draw 11/2 Qatar 12/1
Improved Netherlands performance needed
The Netherlands is in a great position going into the final game, but their performances against Senegal and Ecuador were not good enough for a side that has ambitions to go far in the competition.
Qatar are already out but they will be eager to put in a strong performance and they cannot be underestimated by Van Gaal’s side. However, this is a game that the Netherlands should be coming out on top of.
The midfield was non-existent against Ecuador and that will need to be improved against Qatar while bringing in Memphis from the start should improve the attack. With tougher tests to come in the knockout rounds, we are hoping to see a strong and commanding performance from Oranje and a comfortable passage to the next round.
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