Euro 2024 France vs. Netherlands: Betting Insights

Leipzig, Germany — The competition for leadership in Group D intensifies as France squares off against the Netherlands in a pivotal UEFA Euro 2024 matchup scheduled for this Friday at Leipzig Stadium. This fixture marks a significant moment in the group stage, with both teams currently tied at the top of Group D, each having accumulated three points. France clinched a narrow victory against Austria with a 1-0 scoreline in their opening match, demonstrating their ability to grind out results under pressure.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands earned a hard-fought 2-1 win over Poland, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience. With each side harboring aspirations for a top-two finish, which would guarantee a direct advancement to the knockout rounds, the stakes for this much-anticipated contest are exceptionally high. A win for either team would solidify their position at the top of the group, making this clash crucial for both their Euro 2024 campaigns.

Key Match Details

• Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
• Location: Leipzig Stadium, Leipzig, Germany
• Betting Odds: France +120, Netherlands +240, Draw +230
• Over/Under: 2.5 goals

Betting Landscape

France comes into this match as the favorite with a +120 money line, which translates to a modest edge over their Dutch counterparts. This slight favoritism reflects the general expectation that France, with their rich tournament history and squad strength, is more likely to emerge victorious. Conversely, the Netherlands, with a money line of +240, are positioned as the underdogs, but with a credible potential to challenge and possibly overturn the odds.

This underdog status suggests that while the Dutch are seen as less likely to win outright, they have enough quality to compete closely with France. The odds for a draw, set at +230, suggest a significant possibility that the match could end without a definitive winner, highlighting the anticipated competitiveness of the game. The over/under line for total goals is established at 2.5, indicating a prediction that the match will see a moderate level of scoring, possibly due to the balanced offensive and defensive capabilities of both teams.

• Bet on Under 2.5 Goals
  Given the tight defenses and high stakes, expect a cautious approach from both teams. France's likely focus on defensive solidity, particularly if Kylian Mbappe is absent, and the Netherlands’ disciplined approach suggest a lower-scoring affair. Betting on under 2.5 goals could offer good value.
• Consider a Draw
  With both teams evenly matched and vying for top position in Group D, a draw is a plausible outcome. The betting line for a draw offers a favorable return and reflects the high possibility of a closely contested game where neither team risks losing.
• Bet on France to Win by One Goal
  If you favor France but expect a close game, betting on France to win by exactly one goal could provide a profitable and realistic betting option. This takes into account France’s strong tournament pedigree and the possibility of a tight victory without Mbappe.

Antoine Griezmann's Playmaking Abilities: Eimer emphasizes Antoine Griezmann as a key factor for France. The 33-year-old Atletico Madrid forward has been in stellar form, scoring 16 goals and providing six assists in La Liga this past season. His track record in international competitions is impressive, with 44 goals for France since his debut in 2014. Griezmann’s experience and creativity on the field make him a critical asset for Les Bleus.

Tournament Experience: France has consistently performed well in major tournaments, reaching the finals in three of the last four. This experience contrasts sharply with the Netherlands, whose best result in recent tournaments was a quarterfinal exit in the 2022 World Cup. France’s ability to handle high-pressure situations gives them an edge in critical matches like this one.

Why Back Netherlands

Absence of Kylian Mbappe: The potential absence of Kylian Mbappe due to a broken nose sustained in the win over Austria could be a significant setback for France. Mbappe’s scoring prowess, evidenced by his six consecutive Ligue 1 scoring titles and 47 international goals, would be sorely missed. Eimer notes that without Mbappe, France's attacking threat is considerably diminished.

Diverse Offensive Threats: The Netherlands boasts a range of attacking options capable of troubling any defense. Memphis Depay, despite recent injuries, remains a potent forward with 45 international goals. Rising star Xavi Simons, along with Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen, Jeremie Frimpong, and Wout Weghorst, adds depth and dynamism to the Dutch attack. Eimer highlights that Gakpo and Weghorst, who both scored against Poland, could be instrumental in breaking down the French defense.

Eimer leans towards betting on the under 2.5 goals in this matchup, anticipating a tightly fought game with few scoring opportunities. He also provides three additional best bets that offer promising returns, considering the current form and tactical setups of both teams.

France and the Netherlands have a storied rivalry, with both teams frequently meeting in high-stakes international competitions. Their most recent encounters have often been evenly matched, adding to the anticipation for this Euro 2024 clash.

Conclusion

As France and the Netherlands vie for the Group D lead, the match promises to be a fascinating tactical battle with significant implications for their Euro 2024 campaigns. Bettors and fans can look forward to a thrilling contest shaped by strategic plays, individual brilliance, and potentially game-changing absences.