After the Netherlands fought back from a goal down to overcome Poland in their opening Euro 2024 group game, many have pondered the Dutch as one of the tournament’s genuine dark horses. Coached by Dutch icon, Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands have plenty of talent throughout their ranks, including two former Celtic stars in the shape of Jeremie Frimpong and Virgil van Dijk.
Both Frimpong and van Dijk made huge impressions for the Hoops. Frimpong’s electrifying pace and power saw him become an instant hit with the fans at right back. Meanwhile van Dijk’s domineering style and swagger also saw him become a cult figure during his two seasons at the club. Celtic fans would be pleased to see both lift a major European trophy, so long as it’s not at the expense of the Tartan Army, who are facing two cup finals to try and qualify from Group A.
The Dutch are certainly one of the most fancied teams to emerge through the early stages of the knockout stages and into the last four. They are priced as short as 2/1 in the latest bet365 Euro 2024 odds to qualify for the semi-finals and just 4/6 to reach the quarter-final stage.
Analysing the Netherlands’ potential Euro 2024 path
It’s going to be very difficult for the Netherlands to finish top of Group D, particularly with tournament favourites France in there with them. Les Bleus only managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Austria in their opening group game but, despite not looking their best, it’s still three points. Given that France defeated the Netherlands twice in Euro 2024 qualifying, it’s more likely that the Dutch will finish second in Group D, leaving Austria and Poland to battle it out to be one of the best third-placed nations.
Let’s assume they do finish second in Group D. What would their path to the final look like? In the last 16, the Netherlands would meet the runners-up of Group E. After Romania stunned Ukraine and Slovakia’s shock win over Belgium, this group is now wide open. The Dutch will hope Belgium don’t recover enough to sneak over the line in second place, teeing up a mouth-watering last 16 encounter between neighbourly rivals.
As a matter of fact, the Netherlands would probably be content with facing anyone else in Group E. If they make it through to the quarterfinals, their task may be significantly harder. Portugal looks like being the team to beat in this part of the draw and would be the Netherlands’ likely opponents in the last eight. The Portuguese have something of a hold over the Dutch, winning eight of their 14 competitive meetings. The Netherlands have won only two of them, with the latest coming in a friendly back in March 2018.
If the Netherlands were to face Portugal – and overcome them – they would likely be met with the prospect of Germany or Spain in the semi-finals. It would then be an historic Euro 2024 final for Oranje against either England or France if all goes to the form book.
Frimpong tipped to be Euro 2024’s breakout star
Even if the Netherlands don’t quite get as far as the Euro 2024 final, Jeremie Frimpong is being tipped to be the tournament’s breakout prospect. Ghanaian ace, Mohammed Kudus, believes the time is right for Frimpong to shine on the continental stage. He was integral to Bayer Leverkusen’s undefeated Bundesliga campaign, scoring nine goals and amassing just as many assists in just 31 league appearances.
Frimpong’s club form has started to catch the eye of Europe’s elite. Reports have suggested that Liverpool’s new boss, Arne Slot, has made Frimpong one of his number-one transfer targets this summer since replacing Jurgen Klopp in the Anfield hotseat. Meanwhile Real Madrid are also said to be eyeing him as a potential deputy to Dani Carvajal.
Manchester City will no doubt be kicking themselves at letting the dynamic Amsterdam-born full back leave for the Hoops back in 2019. The 23-year-old now looks like a tailormade replacement for Kyle Walker, who is in the twilight of his career at 34 years of age.
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