Portugal
vs
Netherlands
Kick-off
18:30 GMT
26 March 2018
With the first wave of international fixtures over, there’s time for another before the players return to action for their clubs. One of the highlights of the upcoming games sees the Netherlands travel across Europe to face Portugal. To many people’s surprise, Netherlands won’t feature at the World Cup in Russia while their opponents on Monday have confirmed their place.
Portugal have only been beaten once by the Netherlands in their 12 previous meetings and that came back in 1992. In the last five, the Portuguese have won three and drawn two. The most recent was a friendly in August 2013 where Ronaldo cancelled out a Kevin Strootman opener to secure a 1-1 draw. In four of those five, both teams have scored but in the 12 fixtures, there has only been one where both teams have scored two.
This is Portugal’s final meaningful World Cup warm-up before the end of May so it’s important that they get it right. Ronaldo will be the centre of attention as always and will be looking to continue his incredible recent form. Latest matches: Portugal
23.03.2018
Inte
Portugal
Egypt
2:1
W
14.11.2017
Inte
Portugal
USA
1:1
D
10.11.2017
Inte
Portugal
Saudi Arabia
3:0
W
10.10.2017
Worl
Portugal
Switzerland
2:0
W
07.10.2017
Worl
Andorra
Portugal
0:2
W
There is no place for the Netherlands in Russia but under their new manager, Ronaldo Koeman, it’s important for them to find a winning formula. Memphis Depay, Quincy Promes and Bas Dost are expected to spearhead that.
Latest matches: Netherlands
23.03.2018 | Inte | Netherlands | England | 0:1 | L |
14.11.2017 | Inte | Romania | Netherlands | 0:3 | W |
09.11.2017 | Inte | Scotland | Netherlands | 0:1 | W |
10.10.2017 | Worl | Netherlands | Sweden | 2:0 | W |
07.10.2017 | Worl | Belarus | Netherlands | 1:3 | W |
With more to look forward to for Portugal, they will be taking the game more seriously and should come away with a win. The Netherlands won’t want to get beat but with nothing to aim for, it might be a challenge for Koeman to inspire his players to victory.
26 March 2018 - 18:30 GMT
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