Are the Netherlands the dark horse to win the Euro 2024 tournament?

14/06/24 470

The Euro 1988 tournament was the greatest international event in Dutch football. It was the crowning achievement of the KNVB, as the Oranje lifted the tournament’s trophy.

Since then, the Netherlands have failed to lift an international trophy. In 2000 and 2004, the Dutch reached the semifinals of the Euros, only to be beaten and finish third overall.

Then, there was the 2010 World Cup, which is more remembered for Nigel De Jong’s kung fu kick than the Dutch’s 1-0 loss. Andre Iniesta’s 116th-minute goal gave Spain the win.

So, could this year be the Netherlands’ time? The Dutch are at pre-tournament odds of 17.00 to win the Euros. They are certainly not one of the favourites. Those tags go to England, France, and hosts Germany.

Yet, the Netherlands squad is rich in talent. Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Matthijs de Ligt, Xavi Simons, Ryan Gravenberch, Memphis Depay, and Cody Gakpo are just some of the names in the squad.

Many of the players that will appear in the Euros for the Netherlands were a part of the 2022 World Cup squad. That team reached the quarterfinals and were knocked out by tournament winners Argentina on penalties.

Coach Ronald Koeman led the Oranje to three wins and a loss in four games in 2024. The Netherlands posted a 4-0 win over Scotland, 4-0 over Canada, and 4-0 over Iceland. However, there was a loss to Germany by a score of 2-1 along the way.

Still, the Dutch are scoring goals in 2024 and have a squad full of top players. If there is a question mark around the team, it is in midfield. Yet, with the incredible talent in attack, Koeman is likely to put emphasis on the team’s front line.

Koeman prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation. This formation allows Koeman to get attacking talent onto the pitch. Simons and Gakpo should play on the wings, with Depay playing through the middle. Thanks to the squad’s depth, Koeman can make changes from game-to-game.

Thanks to the Netherlands squad and form ahead of the Euros, our algorithm has predicted the Dutch to reach the final.

The Netherlands are in a tough group alongside France, Austria, and Poland. The group stage should see the Dutch scrap by against strong opposition before taking off in the knockout stage.

While the algorithm predicts the Dutch to lose the final, they will fulfil their dark horse tag of getting to the trophy game. In 2020, Italy reached the final after starting the tournament as a dark horse. This time, it will be the Dutch, who have an incredible squad of talented players.

Home team
Away team

Probability %

1X2

Pred

Correct score

Avg. goals

Weather conditions

Coef.

Score

Live
coef.

Eu

Poland Netherlands 16/06/2024 15:00

92962

21-2

1 - 2

2.58

18°

1.65

5.00 4.00 1.65 no no no

FT

1 - 2(1 - 1)

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