France v Netherlands: line-ups, coaches' views, form guide
Friday, September 7, 2018
Article summary
We preview the League A match between two nations who faced off in FIFA World Cup qualifying.
Article top media content
Article body
- France drew 0-0 with Germany in opener
- Dutch won 2-1 v Peru in friendly on Thursday
- France beat Dutch twice in World Cup qualifying
- UEFA Nations League: all you need to know
- UEFA Nations League calendar: all the fixtures
Possible line-ups
France: Areola; Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Hernandez; Pogba, Kanté; Mbappé, Griezmann, Matuidi; Giroud
Netherlands: Cillessen; Tete, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Blind; Wijnaldum, Strootman, Vormer, Pröpper; Depay, Babel
Reporter's view: David Crossan (@UEFAcomDavidC)
Didier Deschamps has to balance the desire of his World Cup winners to bask in the acclaim of the French fans – and the Stade de France crowd's wish to see the stars of the Russia campaign in action – with the fatigue that was apparent in the closing stages against Germany. It will be a triumphant homecoming for Les Bleus, no matter what happens against the Dutch, who have plenty to prove.
What the coaches say
Didier Deschamps, France coach
We're returning home, but we need to be more efficient [than against Germany]. We ran out of steam towards the end and obviously the entire squad is not yet in top form. Not at this time of the season. I haven't decided yet whether to rotate players – anything is possible. Given that it's our first match back at the Stade de France, in front of our fans, I'll see how everyone recovers.
Ronald Koeman, Netherlands coach
France are the world champions for a reason, without really playing great or beautiful football. When you want to improve, you have to play against nations of this level. The World Cup has proven that nothing is impossible – just look at [runners-up] Croatia – but we're certainly the underdogs.
Form guide
France
2018 World Cup
Qualifying – 1st in Group A (W7 D2 L1)
Final tournament – winners (W6 D1 L0)
Last five matches (most recent first): DWWWW
Netherlands
2018 World Cup
Qualifying – 3rd in Group A (W6 D1 L3)
Final tournament – did not qualify
Last five matches (most recent first): WDDWL