Build up to the match
These two teams were once considered credible contenders. Back during the 80s and 90s, Bulgaria were always considered the wild card in any international competition. The Lions even managed to rank 3rd in the world back in 1995. Now all that has seemingly faded away. The same could be said of the Dutch, who after their heroics in the 2014 World Cup, have seemingly gone into limbo, suffering defeat after defeat in competitive matches, even failing to qualify for the Euros last year. Now these two square off to relive former glories, in the hopes that they once again play in the pinnacle of world football.
Match Information
Kickoff: Sunday, 3 September 2017, 05:00PM England time
Venue: Amsterdam ArenA
Team News
Netherlands will definitely be counting on captain Arjen Robben to create chances up front and provide service for strikers Qunicy Promes and Vincent Janssen. Expect sturdy midfielder Kevin Strootman to keep things strong in the middle of the pitch and centre-back Stephen de Vrij to keep things secure at the back for Oranje.
Bulgaria will be keen for their captain Ivelin Popov to once again terrorise the opposition defence just like he did during the Lions’ qualifying match against Sweden last Friday, where the forward notched two assists in their 3-2 win. If their nimble midfielders Ivaylo Chochev and Georgi Kostadinov play to their current form, then Bulgaria may well have enough to defeat the formidable Dutchmen.
Form
Netherlands
L-W-L-W-L
The Dutchmen are certainly not flying through Group A of the qualifiers. They have been inconsistent in their recent performances and have only managed to grab 10 out of a possible 21 points up for grabs so far. They currently sit in fourth of the table, a good three points adrift of the qualification play-off spot, and as such a win against Bulgaria come Sunday will prove massive.
Bulgaria
W-W-W-W-D
The last time Bulgaria faced Netherlands back in March, the Lions won the match clean at 2-0. This time, Bulgaria will be eager to have a repeat performance and inch closer to World Cup qualification. They are currently in third place in Group A with 12 points, just a point adrift from second place, which seals a play-off spot. If they can win against the Dutch come Sunday, then they could start dreaming of playing at the World Cup in Russia come 2018
Match Prediction
Netherlands are definitely favourites in this match but their inconsistency has lead them to losing winnable matches in recent outings. Bulgaria will definitely try and push for a win, just like they did back in March, but the loud Amsterdam ArenA crowd will definitely play a factor in cheering the home side on. It will be close. It won’t be spectacular football. But expect Holland to win in the end.
Netherlands 2-1 Bulgaria