The Dutch have been far from their best in this edition of the tournament thus far, having started off with a 2-0 win over Senegal in the opening day before playing out a 1-1 draw against Ecuador on matchday two.
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Netherlands will be aiming to seal their qualification for the knockouts of the Qatar World Cup when they take on hosts Qatar in their final Group A fixture at the Al Bayt Stadium on Tuesday. The Dutch have been far from their best in this edition of the tournament thus far, having started off with a 2-0 win over Senegal in their opening match before playing out a 1-1 draw against Ecuador on Friday, while Qatar lost 3-1 to Senegal in their last outing following a 2-0 defeat to Ecuador in the opening fixture. The hosts became the first team to get eliminated from the competition and would be hoping to end their campaign with a positive result.
𝗟𝗘𝗧’𝗦 𝗗𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦! 🔥#NothingLikeOranje #WorldCup #NEDQAT pic.twitter.com/6tFOh4wH1b
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) November 29, 2022
Read more: Ecuador vs Senegal: Possible Game Plan, Formation and Lineups
Netherlands, who had reached three World Cup finals, are still struggling to play as a team. Holland managed to get the better of Senegal in the first match courtesy of individual brilliance from Frenkie de Jong and Cody Gakpo. The situation wasn’t different in the second match against La Tri as Gakpo’s stunning 6th-minute goal was Holland’s only effort on goal in the entire match. Despite the two disappointing outings, head coach Louis van Gaal is unlikely to make too many changes to the starting eleven. Once again, de Jong will continue to pull the strings in the midfield alongside Berghuis. The winger-back’s Danny Blind and Denzel Dumfries, who have had a quiet tournament thus far, will continue to occupy the flanks. Gakpo has been a lone bright spot for the Dutch and the PSV Eindhoven player will lead the line alongside Bergwijn.
Memphis Depay, who is returning from injury, might get his first start on Tuesday. The Barcelona-man could be deployed behind the strikers in a free role. Qatar, on the other hand, might opt for a 3-5-2 formation with Meshaal Barsham occupying the goal. The back three will comprise Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khoukhi and Abdekkarim Hassan. Ismael Mohammed and Homam Ahmed will be deployed on the flanks. Mohammed Muntari, who scored in the last game, will partner Almoez Ali up front.
Read more: Ecuador vs Senegal: Possible Game Plan, Formation and Lineups
Netherlands defender Matthijs De Ligt, who was dropped in the last game, might come back into the playing eleven to partner Virgil Van Dijk and Nathan Ake in the three-man defence. If Depay is not ready to start the game, Van Gaal could continue with Davy Klaasen.
Netherlands probable starting lineups (3-4-3): Noppert, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Ake, Dumfries, Berghuis, F. de Jong, Blind, Gakpo, Bergwijn, Memphis
Qatar probable starting lineup (3-5-2): Barsham, Miguel, Khoukhi, Hassan, Mohammad, Hatem, Madibo, Al-Haydos, Ahmed, Ali, Muntari
