Monday 14 November 2011

Germany Meets The Netherlands in Friendly - Preview

The top three rated international sides in Europe are 1. Spain, 2. The Netherlands and 3. Germany.  Tomorrow Hamburg will be the stage for a friendly match between Germany and the Netherlands.  Both teams have qualified for the European Championship in 2012 with co-hosts Ukraine and Poland. 

Germany managed a draw against the Ukraine in Kiew on Friday, with just under 70,000 spectators.  With not much to lose, except some German pride, Jogi Loew tested a few newcomers and left Neuer, Klose, Lahm out of the match.  Midfield director Bastian Schweinsteiger is out until after Christmas with a collar bone injury.  Miroslav Klose also missed the match due to injuries.

Germany marched qualified for the European Championship with ten victories in ten matches.  Loew will not attempt his 3-5-2 system in this match.  It often left the defence wide open and allowed for quick counters by the Ukraine.  Two of the Ukraine goals were achieved after corner kicks.  So, in all likelihood a 4-4-2 system will be used with Klose and Gomez taking the point.

Germany's Likely Starters:

Neuer- Höwedes, Mertesacker, Badstuber, Aogo – Khedira, Rolfes – T. Müller, Podolski – Gomez, Klose

 There will be strength on the German bench as well with:   Oezil, Goetze, Schuerrle and Kroos.  


The Netherlands are no slouches either and will likely play a 4-2-3-1 formation. 

Holland is also qualified as the winner of its group for the European championship.  The were defeated once against Sweden.  The offensive line-up of the team is strong with international super stars like Arjen Robben, Weslie Snijder, Robin van Persie, Van der Vaart and Kuyt.  It is no accident that this team was in the World Cup final in South Africa. 

Likely Starters for The Netherlands:

Stekelenburg – van der Wiel, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Braafheid – van Bommel, Strootman – Kuyt, Sneijder, Babel – Huntelaar

The match promises to be an exciting one.  In the end, the final result, which should be close will be decided in the midfield and by the team with the strongest defence.  Gomez and Klose are in competition with each other, but in a friendly way.  This competition is good for the team.

My prediction is that it will be close match, with Germany making use of the home advantage and defeating Holland 2-1.  No matter what the final result, it should be a delight for the spectators. 

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for this latest information...much appreciated....will be watching the game tomorrow ....will see if your prediction is on or if Germany gets a higher score lol

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