Wales' Edward James Turns (left) and Ryan Astley combine to tackle Netherlands' Bran Brobbey during the UEFA European U21 Championship qualifying match at the Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli. Picture date: Saturday June 11, 2022.Football Predictions
Since reaching the semi-finals of the 2007 Under-21 Euros in what was only their second appearance at the finals, Belgium has only qualified for two of the last eight Championships – including the 2023 edition – and they exited the 2019 tournament in the group stage without a single point to their name.
Throughout the last seven editions of the competition since 2009, the Netherlands have either exited in the semi-finals – as was the case in 2013 and 2021 – or failed to make the finals entirely, but few teams managed to breach Erwin van de Looi’s well-drilled defense in qualification this time around.
Team News
There is no shortage of senior experience in the Belgium ranks with Lens striker Lois Openda set to their main man after netting 21 goals in the just concluded Ligue 1 season.
Openda was named in the senior squad for their Euro 2024 qualifiers but has left prematurely in order to prepare for this tournament, although Ameen Al-Dakhil, Aster Vranckx, and Olivier Deman will remain with the first team until after their meeting with Estonia on Tuesday.
As for the Dutch, luckless Liverpool youngster Sepp van den Berg has suffered yet another injury setback and has been forced to pull out of the squad; uncapped Sparta Rotterdam defender Shurandy Sambo has replaced his stricken compatriot.
The three players with senior caps Ryan Gravenberch, Devyne Rensch, and Kenneth Taylor were not called up to Ronald Koeman’s squad in order to enjoy a much-needed breather, but Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpong rejected the chance to play for the Under-21s after being left out of the senior squad – a decision that led to some choice words from Koeman.
Ajax attacker Brian Brobbey netted both of his side’s goals in their September win over Belgium – taking him up to a squad-high eight for Jong Oranje – and the 21-year-old should form a partnership with Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee, who is not far behind with seven strikes to his name.
Probable Line-Up
Belgium XI: Lammens; Patris, Debast, De Winter, De Cuyper; Matazo, Keita, Raskin; De Ketelaere; Openda, Vertessen
Netherlands XI: Scherpen; Rensch, Van de Ven, Van Hecke, Maatsen; Ekkelenkamp, Gravenberch, Taylor; Summerville, Brobbey, Zirkzee
Verdict
As admirable as the Netherlands’ defensive streak is, the Oranje backline has not had their mettle tested by a striker in as red-hot form as Openda, but even his powers may wane after such a taxing domestic campaign.
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