Euro Qualifiers

Gibraltar vs Netherlands

ODDS: 1.07* Starts 21/11 at 20:45 (GMT+1)

Gibraltar vs Netherlands

Kick-Off at 20:45 (GMT+1)

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The Netherlands, having secured their place in the Euro 2024 group-stage draw as direct qualifiers, wrap up their Group B campaign against a struggling Gibraltar at Portugal’s Estadio Algarve on Tuesday.

Ronald Koeman’s team solidified their top-two finish in the group with a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland. Meanwhile, Gibraltar faced a morale-crushing 14-0 defeat at the hands of France.

Gibraltar’s woes began early when Ethan Santos scored an own goal within three minutes against France, and his night worsened with a red card for a harsh challenge. France proceeded to set records, securing their biggest-ever victory in a Euros qualifying game and inflicting Gibraltar’s most significant defeat.

For Gibraltar’s coach, Julio Ribas, witnessing his team’s defense torn apart by France likely brought frustration. Despite their struggles, Gibraltar wouldn’t have altered the group standings even with an unexpected win against France.

While other teams like Cyprus, Malta, San Marino, and Liechtenstein also failed to secure any points in Euros qualifying, Gibraltar is set to finish as the least successful, conceding a qualifying-high 35 goals without scoring any.

This marks Gibraltar’s first major tournament qualifying campaign without a single goal, a stark contrast to their record four goals in the preliminary rounds of the 2022 World Cup. Another unwelcome record seems inevitable for Gibraltar on Tuesday.

In contrast, the Netherlands only needed a single goal against the Republic of Ireland to secure their second-place finish in Group B. Wout Weghorst’s strike sealed the deal in a 1-0 victory.

Despite their triumph, the Dutch could have been more assertive, and a moment of anxiety arose when an Adam Idah goal slipped past Bart Verbruggen, saved only by the offside flag.

Although the Netherlands’ second-place position remains unchanged, their seeding for the group-stage draw (Pot 2, 3, or 4) hinges on this match’s result. Victory remains crucial for the 1988 champions to avoid a potentially tough draw.

The Netherlands have a clear upper hand going into Tuesday’s game, having won all three previous encounters against Gibraltar, scoring 16 goals without conceding any. Their March clash ended in a resounding 3-0 triumph at De Kuip.

Ake double helps Dutch overcome 10-man Gibraltar in laboured 3-0 win |  Reuters

Santos, the Gibraltar defender, faces a suspension for Tuesday’s game due to his red card against France, giving him time to ponder what likely stands as the worst 20 minutes of his career. With limited options in defense, Gibraltar’s coach Ribas might opt for either Jayce Olivero or Ethan Jolley, typically full-backs, to bolster the team’s defensive lineup, captained by the 40-year-old Roy Chipolina.

While Chipolina’s experience remains crucial, Gibraltar might see changes upfront, with the potential inclusion of younger players like Jamie Coombes or Mohamed Badr, potentially sidelining the 42-year-old Lee Casciaro. Meanwhile, Dylan Peacock and Michael Ruiz eagerly await their debuts.

The Dutch team, having faced injury setbacks before their match against Ireland, was fortunate not to add any fresh injuries over the weekend. Securing another three points remains vital for Koeman’s side. However, considering rotation, new faces like Jorrel Hato and Thijs Dallinga might earn their Netherlands debut at Estadio Algarve.

Though uncapped, players like Donyell Malen and Jordan Teze hold higher positions in the team hierarchy. Nonetheless, Dallinga stands a good chance for his debut, while Teun Koopmeiners and Mats Wieffer might also earn opportunities in the midfield.

Potential Lineups

Gibraltar

  • Goalkeeper: Coleing
  • Defenders: Jolley, Sergeant, Mouelhi, R. Chipolina, J. Chipolina
  • Midfielders: Badr, Pozo, De Haro, Walker
  • Forward: De Barr

Netherlands

  • Goalkeeper: Flekken
  • Defenders: De Vrij, Van Dijk, Blind
  • Midfielders: Teze, Koopmeiners, Wieffer, Hartman
  • Forwards: Stengs, Dallinga, Malen

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*All odds correct at time of writing