On Tuesday afternoon, Group A reaches gameweek three, with the Netherlands playing against host nation Qatar.
Netherlands form guideLouis van Gaal’s team would confirm their place in the last 16 of the World Cup with a victory in this clash. A draw could be enough to see the Oranje make the knockout stages of the competition, but they will want to head into the last 16.
They can win the group by winning here and if they better Ecuador’s result against Senegal.A 1-1 draw against Ecuador last time out extended the Oranje’s unbeaten run to 17 games. However, the draw ended a four-game winning run for Van Gaal’s team.
The Netherlands has an exceptional recent record in the World Cup, as they are unbeaten in their previous 16 games.
Qatar form guideThe host's first-ever World Cup has not gone well, as they have lost both their group games, 2-0 against Ecuador and 3-1 against Senegal, last time out. The defeats mean Qatar can no longer qualify for the last 16 of the competition.
This game will be about regaining some pride and picking up their first-ever point at a World Cup. However, the odds are against Qatar picking up anything against their European opponents.
One positive for Qatar is that they headed into this competition on the back of a four-game winning run. Their winning run was achieved against teams that are nowhere near the quality that they have faced in the World Cup so far.
Latest team newsThe Netherlands have doubts over the fitness of forward Memphis Depay and midfielder Marten de Roon. Defender Matthijs De Ligt could come back into the starting line-up after dropping to the bench in the last game.Qatar has no reported injuries or suspensions heading into this game. Mohammed Muntari should start in place of Assim Madibo, as Muntari scored Qatar’s only goal of the World Cup so far.
What am I backing?Even though we have seen so many shock results at the World Cup, I can’t see anything but a comfortable victory for the Netherlands in this clash.
38 tips in BG
