France - Netherlands: Whoever loses will be in danger

(Baonghean.vn) - At 1:45 a.m. on September 1, Stade de France Stadium, round 7 of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers will have a decisive match between host France and the "orange whirlwind". The bUnexpectedly losing to Sweden in the previous round, France was in a difficult situation. Coach Didier Deschamps' team needed to win against the Netherlands, if they did not want to have more bad things happen.

Sweden, France and the Netherlands are the three names expected to be at the top of Group A of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers - European Zone. From being a candidate for the top spot in the group, the loss to Sweden caused France to drop to 2nd place with the same 13 points but lower goal difference. The task of coach Deschamps and his students is to defeat the two direct competitors, Sweden and the Netherlands. At least that way, they are still within the control of the French team.

Difficult task

Playing at the Stade de France, however, does not mean that Deschamps' team can easily defeat the visitors. Since Dick Advocaat took over as coach, the Netherlands has shown a certain improvement with 2 consecutive victories.

Both France and the Netherlands need to win. Photo: Internet

This time the Dutch captain has the return of veterans Robin van Persie, Robben, Sneijder, Wesley Sneijder along with young faces like Donny van Beek or Marco van Ginkel, and not to mention Memphis Depay has returned to form, the Netherlands promises to continue to maintain the expected performance.

Apart from the absence of Raphael Varane (injured) and Ousmane Dembele (who asked permission not to join the national team to focus on his transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Barcelona), France also has a relatively full squad.

The most difficult question is who will take on the task of scoring goals in the attack? Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann or Griezmann and Alexandre Lacazette… this is the thing to pay attention to. Giroud is still the most trusted striker, certainly more than Lacazette, who is taking Giroud's place at Arsenal.

However, apart from his heading ability, Giroud is not a truly sharp striker. Therefore, although Les Bleus have won 3 of their last 5 meetings, if the Netherlands have a good strategy, they can completely create a shock right at the Stade de France. If they get 3 points, Sweden will have the opportunity to rise to 2nd (or even 1st) and push France down into the danger zone.

Swedish "fisherman" benefits

When France and the Netherlands faced each other, the "fisherman" Sweden "benefited" the most. Because for the team of coach Janne Andersson now, they have the right to hold their own destiny in their hands. Sweden's mission is quite clear, they must win against Bulgaria to maintain the top position in the group, and decide their own fate with only 4 rounds left.

If they win, Russia will be closer than ever to coach Janne Andersson and his team, creating significant pressure on France and the Netherlands.

Dutch coach Dick Advocaat has had his first two wins. Photo: Internet

In fact, it is not too difficult a task for coach Janne Andersson, even though Sweden has to play away. With their form on the rise after the victory over France, coach Andersson's team knows what they need to do to prolong the joy.

Statistics in the history of confrontation, Sweden has been unbeaten in 13 consecutive matches against Bulgaria, along with 7 clean sheets. In the last 3 matches, the team from Northern Europe won 3-0 against the opponent, proving that Bulgaria's attack is not strong, and the defense is too bad.

In the remaining match of Group A, Luxembourg will host Belarus at home. This is considered a formality match as Luxembourg no longer has the motivation to strive. If Belarus gets 3 points, it is not surprising, but with only 5 points, the ticket to Russia is far away.

AT