Prediction: Netherlands vs Canada

Verdict: Total goals over 2.5

Best odds: 14/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet

The Netherlands continue their final preparations for the upcoming Euros with a friendly game against Canada on Thursday evening at the De Kuip in Rotterdam.

Oranje will be seeking a morale-boosting win against the 2022 World Cup participants, especially after ending the March international break in a disappointing fashion.

Netherlands

Ronald Koeman is set to lead the Netherlands into another tournament, aiming to end their 36-year drought for a major trophy. The Dutch squad had enjoyed a four-match winning streak around the turn of the year, netting 12 goals against Greece, the Republic of Ireland, Gibraltar, and Scotland without conceding any.

However, a 2-1 defeat to Germany disrupted their momentum, indicating the need for further improvements to navigate a tough group at Euro 2024. Koeman’s team will face France, Austria, and Poland, making morale-boosting friendlies against Canada and Iceland particularly important.

Koeman has already named his 26-player squad for the tournament, which alleviates some pressure on the players striving to secure a spot in the starting lineup.

Team News

Although Koeman has the 11 players who started in the defeat against Germany available, he is likely to make changes to his starting XI.

If he opts for a back three, the 61-year-old, who was a part of the team that won the 1988 European Championship, will need to find a solution at left wing-back. Nathan Ake, Daley Blind, and Jeremie Frimpong are all potential candidates for this role.

Teun Koopmeiners and Cody Gakpo might be brought back into the midfield and attack, respectively. However, Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

Canada

These two nations have not faced each other in three decades, with the Netherlands emerging as 3-0 victors in their last meeting in Toronto in 1994.

Canada have, however, evolved significantly since then, having participated in the 2022 World Cup. However, they have underperformed since that long-awaited second appearance at the tournament.

While Canada have secured six wins out of 12 matches, they have achieved few notable victories and suffered a penalty shootout defeat to the USA in the Gold Cup quarterfinals.

Former Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch is now at the helm of the Canucks, aiming to rebuild his own reputation while maintaining Canada’s presence as a threat in international football.

This friendly against the Netherlands marks a rare encounter with European opposition for Canada. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, their only matches against European teams were against Croatia and Belgium at the World Cup in Qatar.

Team News

With Joel Waterman unavailable, Marsch needs to decide on his center-back selection if he continues with a defensive five.

Options include Derek Cornelius or 18-year-old Fulham defender Luc De Fougerolles, along with the experienced Richie Laryea, who might be brought back into the lineup.

Ike Ugbo, who spent the second half of 2023/24 at Sheffield Wednesday on loan from Troyes, could retain his position as the central attacker.

Conclusion

Marsh certainly has some players of proven quality at his disposal, players who can make a mark even in matches against top sides, but it’s very unlikely for his team to leave Rotterdam with anything but a defeat against the Dutch. And with not much significance burdening either team, an open contest with several goals is likely to unfold at the De Kuip.

Verdict: Total goals over 2.5

Best odds: 14/25

Bookmaker: ZetBet