Belgium – Netherlands

Belgium and the Netherlands will play with an attacking bias

The favourites in Group 4 will play each other in the opening match. Belgium take on the Netherlands at home. Belgium remain loyal to Roberto Martinez. The coach is not being fired, despite a lack of big wins and trophies. The country is assessing the overall performance picture. Belgium have always qualified for all tournaments and made the play-offs of the UEFA EUROs and World Cups. The qualifiers for the World Cup in Qatar are no exception. In the last League of Nations, the team also qualified in the final four. Martinez has called up the strongest squad for the Nations League. There are no injuries. In terms of names, Belgium look like one of the top three or four teams in the world. Interestingly, even Eden Hazard was called up, even though he doesn't play for Real. Belgium have a very deep and quality squad. Even if Martinez releases a few reserves, the team will still play from a position of strength. The Dutch team's situation is much worse. The team with great difficulty overcame qualification for the World Cup. It all came down to the decisive game against Norway. Also, Louis van Gaal has informed of his terminal illness. For now, the coach remains in post, but he could be replaced by Ronald Koeman at any moment. There is uncertainty, which takes a toll on the players. Not everything is ideal in terms of the squad either. Wijnaldum, the team's key midfielder, will not be available for the upcoming matches. The Netherlands sometimes move away from their classic style under Van Gaal. For example, against Norway, for example, they played with a focus on defence. However, such a scenario is unlikely in friendlies and the Nations League. The Netherlands played two spectacular games in March. They managed to beat Denmark by six goals (4-2), followed by a 1-1 draw with Germany. The bookmakers rightly rate the Netherlands below Belgium in the next encounter. The team is clearly inferior when it comes to chemistry. Also the morale and the home stands for Belgium. At the same time, there is no big difference in class when it comes to individual skill. It makes little sense for the two neighbouring countries to play cautious football. The bookmakers actually allow for such a possibility. The odds for the 2.5 total are equal. There is a reason to consider betting on the number of goals in the second half. There will be numerous substitutions after the break, and amid fatigue, this will further increase the likelihood of goals in such a meeting. Plus there is a desire for open football between the two teams. From a tournament point of view, it makes no sense to hold on to a draw.