I’ve been proven emphatically wrong by the Netherlands so far this tournament – I’ll be the first to admit it. Oranje find themselves atop group C with qualification guaranteed and a rather insignificant fixture against North Macedonia left to sign off on their group stage campaign.
Euro 2020: Group C
Monday 21 June
Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam
18:00
To Win
North Macedonia 9/1
Draw 5/1
Netherlands 1/4
North Macedonia
Although their fate is already sealed, North Macedonia will want to leave this tournament with their heads held high and their countries badge still doused with pride.
There isn’t too much more to add other than I don’t think North Macedonia are a walkover fixture for the Netherlands, the men from the Balkans will field their strongest available side and look to leave the tournament with an upset.
They will certainly want to avoid losing all three group stage fixtures but another statistic I think we might see overturned is the fact that North Macedonia have never led, even for a minute, against the Netherlands!
Netherlands
Having opened their account with a 3-2 win over Ukraine, Frank de Boer’s side followed that up by sweeping aside Austria and booking their place in the next round.
The Netherlands have already topped group C and that cannot change irrespective of the result here. The only intriguing question requiring an answer is what XI de Boer fields on Monday evening.
Of course they will want to continue their unbeaten run in the tournament, but with the pressure of the tournament temporarily lifted, I wonder if we’ll see some of the Netherlands young guns.
De Boer seemingly confirmed that the competitiveness and intensity of any game against North Macedonia is not lost on this Netherlands group – “ There is no way we think too easily about them – they won 2-1 against Germany.”
However, the Netherlands team selection remains unconformed and I strongly suggest before adding this fixture to your Monday evening Hollywoodbets multiple you have a gander at the team running out in orange…
Prediction: North Macedonia/Draw – Double Chance (2/1)
I was a little disappointed with the market price on this selection to be fair, but irrespective I think the upset is certainly plausible and in many respects, possible here. North Macedonia won’t compromise on their intensity and grit whilst the Netherlands can afford to take a breath: I said at the beginning of the tournament that North Macedonia will have their moment and I think Monday is that day.
Written by Ryan Liberty