Netherlands v Iceland Betting Tip Both teams to score, 2015-09-03

Iceland can prove to be stubborn opposition

Euro Qualifiers Tips

Netherlands v Iceland
Thursday 3rd September – Kickoff: 1945hrs
Football – International Football – European Championships

The European Championships are less than 10 months away now, and with only four games left in qualification for nations in Group A, there is plenty riding on this match in Amsterdam on Thursday. The current standings ahead of this fixture sees Iceland sitting top of the section, two points clear of the Czech Republic and a further point ahead of the Netherlands. The top two qualify automatically, of course, with the third place team going into a play-off. The Dutch have a two point lead over Turkey, and with all of the top four teams still to play each other, expect to see plenty of twists and turns in the remaining matches.

This will be Danny Blind’s first game as manager of the Dutch National team. Previously assistant to Louis Van Gaal and Guus Hiddink, the Ajax legend took over from the latter on the 1st of July. Although Blind was also marked to be the next manager, it has come somewhat earlier than expected as Hiddink has held the post for less than a year. It was a difficult spell for the previous coach, one which got off to the worst possible start when losing two of their first three qualifiers – away to Czech Republic and Iceland. A home draw with Turkey may also proved costly but as noted previously, they have a chance to rectify their earlier failings as they face all three of those sides in the space of the next couple of months.

It is probably doing a disservice to the steady progress that Iceland have been making over the last few years to call them a surprise package, but to be topping such a competitive group with four games to play is something of a surprise. Their only defeat came away to the Czech Republic but other than that, it has been a very impressive qualifying campaign thus far. Not only are the Icelanders the top scorers with 14, they also have the best defensive record, conceding only three – the Dutch have conceded the second fewest with six. It’s no surprise to see a Lars Lagerback team so well organised as the Swede led his native country to several major championships based on a sound defensive shape.

When you look through the Dutch squad it’s hard to imagine them not reaching France 2016, but failure to win on Thursday would be a huge blow to their aspirations of qualifying. Blind has the advantage of a fit Arjen Robben to call upon, a player who is pivotal to the Netherland’s attacking play but played only three games in Group A because of injury. Another advantage for the new manager is Memphis and Georginio Wijnaldum having moved to the Premier League which should develop them further, both are going to be the future of his squad but they are very much part of the present, too.

There is a huge amount of experience in the Icelandic squad but very few will have been in this position, particularly in international football. Eidur Gudjohnsen has enjoyed the most successful club career but is unlikely to start. In a team whose success is based around their collective ability, Gylfi Sigurdosson is the one player with that genuine bit of class. The attacking midfielder has played in the English Premier League for a number of years and will once again be a key player for his national side as they look to cause another upset.

Netherlands v Iceland Betting Tips

It is probably a little extreme to suggest this is a must win for the home side but I do not think it’s an overreaction to suggest they cannot afford to lose it. A trip to Istanbul awaits on Sunday, a place which is never easy to win at the best of times but especially in a such a pressurised situation. Iceland are very much the underdogs but that was also the case back in October when they were 2-0 victors in Reykjavik. Sigurdsson scored both goals that night and will be the biggest threat to the Dutch once again.

Looking at the odds for this match and I find the Dutch very poor value at 4/11 available with a variety of firms. They may well go on and take all three points but there are better bets available. Iceland are a very balanced team and as well as looking strong in defence, they have scored in all six qualifiers including at home to Turkey, Netherlands and Czech Republic, whilst also scoring away to the last named of that trio. The Dutch have conceded a goal in two of their three home qualifiers and managed to keep just two clean sheets from their six games in Group A. I envisage the home side taking the game to their opponents from the outset, roared on by a raucous home crowd, and that could leave them exposed at the back. At odds against, both teams to score looks more than a sporting bet.

Both teams to score 5/4 @ Ladbrokes