Netherlands v Germany: Group B Preview

Tomorrow sees the latest instalment in one of the greatest rivalries in international football, involving two neighbouring teams bestowed in a history. On paper, Germany had the harder of the two opening games – yet they are the ones that go into this game with three points under their belt. Meanwhile, a dominant Dutch side could not find the net against a determined and organised Denmark side that came out 1-0 winners. This match, then, is crucial for the hopes of the Dutch. Lose against their bitter rivals, and they may depart Ukraine at the first stage.

Team News

Germany has no new injury concerns following their first game. After a tense first half with Portugal, Mario Gomez scored the only goal of the game late into the second half to give the Germans their first win of the tournament. Coach Joachim Low may see no reason to make any major changes to the team, as they look to grab another win and qualify for the quarter-finals. Centre-back Mats Hummels is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up over Per Mertesacker.

Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk will have to decide whether or not to make a change to the side that lost to Denmark, despite playing so well. The unimpressive Ibrahim Afellay could head out of the starting line-up to be replaced by the top scorer in qualifying, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. There have been reports of a rift between Huntelaar and van Marwijk, which ultimately led to the striker failing to speak to the domestic press on Monday. A striker with a point to prove can be a very dangerous weapon. Should this switch happen, then Robin van Persie could move into midfield to accompany the talismanic Wesley Sneijder and tricky winger Arjen Robben. Joris Matijsen has resumed full training and could replace Ron Vlaar, depending on his fitness.

Key Battle

Arjen Robben did not have the best of games against Denmark, with his shooting accuracy and decision-making being uncharacteristically poor. Up against the winger will be Germany’s captain, Philipp Lahm. The left-back had a typically solid display in the first game, defending his side of the pitch well while supporting German attacks up field. Robben will look to cut inside and either shoot towards goal or pass to a teammate in a better position. Being a right-footed played, Robben’s dribbles towards the centre of the pitch will play into Lahm’s hands. I expect the Flying Dutchman to struggle in tomorrow’s game.

Netherlands: Stekelenberg, van der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Willems, de Jong, van Bommel, Robben, Sneijder, van Persie, Huntelaar

Germany: Neuer, Boateng, Badstuber, Hummels, Lahm, Khedira, Schweinsteiger,  Ozil, Muller, Podolski, Gomez

Metlist Stadium, Kharkiv

Kick-off: 7.45PM on BBC1 & BBC1 HD

Prediction

The Dutch need to win here in order to keep their tournament hopes alive. With a victory already underneath their belts, the Germans know that they can play a more defensive game should they grab the opening goal.

1-1 draw