French firepower too much to handle

Last night’s matchup between France and Germany was reminiscent of the ties of old, and both teams showed marked differences from their World Cup campaigns. Germany showed some grit to recover an modicum of pride from their not so illustrious summer in Russia.

France on the other hand were a bit more difficult to read - but they were always going to be. Germany, with their heads down, found it easier to pull themselves out of the mire, but the expectations were always going to be high for the French.

France looking flat?

One of the major criticism of the French side during the World Cup was that they weren’t playing well. Considering the individual quality they had on paper, the range of selection, France were expected by many to be the perfect candidates for playing expansive, attractive and domineering football. But they didn’t. They conceded unnecessary goals in the group stages and made hard work of opponents in Argentina and Croatia.

At times they look languid but it’s really just their style of play

The same could be said of last night’s match against Germany. Germany technically had the better chances and did well to bounce back with positive football. France on the other hand squandered their chances, and as shown chances don’t go come cheap, especially against a keeper like Neuer on his day.

They stay poised in possession until the perfect time to strike

Les Bleus missed some key opportunities and passes, but on the whole they showed flashes of why they are world champions. They look easy in possession and released the ball well on the flanks, as well as in tight spaces in front of the area. At times they look languid but it’s really just their style of play. At the peak of their powers they stay poised in possession until the perfect time to strike.

Against a less well constructed starting XI and not facing an inform Neuer, I think Didier Deschamps' men will be able to dominate the game the way want.

Fallen from grace

This will be an uphill struggle for the Dutch. For a start they haven’t played a competitive match in a year, after missing out on qualifying for the World Cup in the summer.

They don’t have the pieces in place at the moment

Traditionally considered one of the heavyweights of football, with a seemingly endless conveyor belt of talent, it’s all looking a little bit thin in terms of building a world class squad. Sure, there is potential there, not just in the likes of Liverpool’s Van Dijk, Lyon’s Memphis Depay or up and comer Justin Kluivert, but is it enough? They certainly don’t have the pieces in place at the moment.

Journeying to the Stade de France, where the home team will be given a rapturous homecoming will make winning the match all the more difficult.

Head to head

The rise of the French and the decline of the Dutch are plain to see in their recent head to head fixtures. France have dominated, winning the last three meetings, which included two competitive fixtures in the qualifying stage for the World Cup in Russia.

They’re not unfamiliar to one another that’s for sure, and I don’t want to be disrespectful or underestimate the Dutch, but all signs are pointing towards France and it’s as simple as that.

France vs. Netherlands last 3 meetings:

• Friendly: March 2016: Netherlands 2-3 France
• WC QF: October 2016: Netherlands 0-1 France
• WC QF: August 2017: France 4-0 Netherlands

Match Tips

I stuck my neck out for my Germany vs. France tip, and if it wasn’t for the commendable performances by the keepers I might have just called it right. So for this one I’m keeping it simple and going for a home win for France.

Betfair have got France at one and half times the money, and the Dutch at an enormous 5/1. It really just goes to show the gulf in quality and experience between the two going into the tie. That’s why I’m going for France to win with Betfair at 1/2 (1.50).

Bet France to win on Betfair