WITH up to three teams qualifying from each group, very few Euro 2020 games are dead rubbers.
North Macedonia’s match against Holland, though, is an exception to that rule as the tournament rookies have already been eliminated.
The Dutch have been excellent at the Euros so far and you can catch the form team in action on ITV at 5pm this Monday.
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What’s the form?
Holland have emerged as one of the favourites after a brilliant start to their campaign.
Frank de Boer’s side secured a 3-2 victory against Ukraine in their opening game thanks to a late goal from PSV wing back Denzel Dumfries.
They followed that up with a comfortable 2-0 win against Austria in Amsterdam.
Luck has certainly been on Holland’s side during their first two fixtures – but the same can’t be said for North Macedonia.
Little was expected of Igor Angelovski’s side having never appeared in a major tournament before.
But they have been competitive and, on another day, could have easily had a few points in the bag by now.
The North Macedonians lost 3-1 to Austria in their tournament opener and suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Ukraine last time out.
“In the second half against Ukraine we were the real North Macedonia, and showed that we deserved to be at the European Championship. This is how we should play against the Dutch. We want to put on a real show and hopefully pick up our first points of the tournament.”
Igor Angelovski, North Macedonia manager
Who’s in and who’s out?
Both managers have a full squad to pick from.
Angelovski is expected to name his best team – including Leeds star Ezgjan Alioski and veteran Goran Pandev – as North Macedonia chase their first win at a major tournament.
Although Holland do not have any players at risk of being suspended if they pick up a yellow card, De Boer is still likely to rotate his squad.
Ex-Arsenal youngster Donyell Malen might get his chance and Manchester City defender Nathan Ake could feature.
“North Macedonia really deserve to be here. They have done very well, they are well organised. And then you have this sly fox [Goran] Pandev who really makes the difference. Great to see he still enjoys playing and can be important for his country. We can’t underestimate them.”
Frank de Boer, Holland manager
Watch out for…
New Barcelona signing Memphis Depay.
The ex-Manchester United winger has joined the Spanish giants and will be keen to prove himself on the international stage ahead of his big move.
The 27-year-old has made an excellent start to the tournament, scoring in Holland’s 2-0 victory against Austria.
If the game’s rubbish…
Read about Nathan Ake’s fiancee Kaylee Ramman, who recycles plastic and makes fashionable bikinis.
Or Frenkie de Jong’s girlfriend Mikky Kiemeny, who’s been with the Barcelona midfielder since 2014.
Fancy a punt?
Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
Match odds
- Georginio Wijnaldum first goalscorer 11/2 @ Betfair
- North Macedonia to win 10/1 @ Paddy Power
- Holland to win 1/3 @ William Hill
*All odds correct at time of publication
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
