Netherlands vs France Prediction: Group D Leader Match Decider

Group D top contenders, Netherlands and France, will take on one another at Red Bull Arena Leipzig in Leipzig. In their respective openers, both nations secured maximum points and will look to secure a victory here. Which team remains top of the standings after this game?

The Netherlands showed their readiness to win a European title after the 1988's. Starting the tournament following consecutive 4-0 international friendly wins against Canada and Iceland, this team proved themselves against Poland in their opener. In that game, Netherlands conceded from a corner kick in the 16th minute, with Adam Buksa putting their opponents in the lead. However, Ronald Koeman responded just 13 minutes after being behind, thanks to Cody Gakpo's strike in the 29th minute. However, the Netherlands did not get things right until the 83rd minute, with their defender, Nathan Ake, providing his second assist of the table, which Wout Weghorst converted. 

Ahead of this game, the Netherlands have won two times in three occasions where they faced France in the UEFA Euro competitions. Also, just four of the 30 matches played out between France and the Netherlands in all competitions have ended in draws.

France will seek another victory in this game following a 1-0 win over Austria on the opening day. On the opening day, this team got past Austria thanks to an own goal by Maximilian Wober, thanks to a strong work rate from Kylian Mbappe. 

However, before being drawn against the Netherlands in this Euro 2024, Les Bleus got past the Oranjes in consecutive qualifying rounds. At home in Paris, France got four past their opponents with Kylian Mbappe striking twice, while Antonie Griezman and Dayot Upamecano also got their luck. In fact, their second game also ended in a 1-2 this time with Kylian Mbappe doing the work alone before an 83rd-minute strike by Quilindschy Hartman reduced the deficit for the Oranjes. With a more historical record in this fixture favoring France, the Didier Deschamps's team will be confident of making a name for themselves here as they look to book their spot in the round of 16 early.

Netherlands Possible Starting Lineup:

Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Veerman; Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo; Depay

France Possible Starting Lineup:

Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Rabiot; Dembele, Griezmann, Mbappe; Thuram

The Netherlands showed resilience against Poland in their opener, coming from behind to secure a win in that game. However, France needed an own goal to pick up a win in their game against Austria. Regardless of how both teams won their openers, I do not think that will have a lot of influence on this game, as I believe both teams will come in fresh and strong. Expect this one to be close in between, with goals of at least three goals. Still, France's squad is full of world stars, and with Kylian Mbappe confirmed to be fit, I am backing Les Bleus to get the job done again.