Tensions continue to rise in the Low Countries as Oranje face Poland tonight in what might prove to be a vital clash in Group G. Ronald Koeman’s side stand three points clear of second-placed Poland at the top of the group.
The Eagles, on the other hand, have 13 points to their name and will be hoping to put in a tough fight against the visitors. A trip to Stadion Feijenoord last time out ended up in a draw as English-born Matty Cash sniped one into the near post with just 10 minutes remaining on the clock.
The Netherlands will plan to avoid the same mistakes tonight, as a draw might prove fatal for game day eight. A win, on the other hand, means direct qualification for Koeman’s men.
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Finland, Lithuania and Malta won’t have much of a say in deciding the group, with the three teams trailing behind on ten, three and two points respectively. The Eagle-Owls might stand a chance if the Netherlands slips tomorrow, but they’ll need to have a goalfest in their last game against Malta.
Is this Netherlands vs Poland the happy ending Koeman has been waiting for?
Following his stint with FC Barcelona, Koeman lost much of the credibility that he had built after his playing career. Before his second move to Catalonia, the former defender helped the Dutch national team qualify for a major final tournament (Euro 2020) since the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
After Koeman’s departure, the Netherlands managed to finish top of the group in Euro 2020 but ultimately lost in the Round of 16 against the Czech Republic under Frank de Boer.
Louis van Gaal retook the reins after coming out of retirement and brought in some old-school consistency to the Oranje. However, even the football legend couldn’t stop Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Koeman was rehired as Van Gaal stepped down due to health reasons. Despite a bumpy start against France in the Euro qualifiers, the former FC Barcelona defender managed to take the Oranje to the semi-finals of Euro 2024..
The Netherlands have managed to maintain their form under Koeman as they’ve won five of their six games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Only a draw against Poland has affected their record, and a win tomorrow will cement their spot for a trip to North America.
Possible hiccups towards World Cup qualification
Poland, however, remains persistent with both Robert Lewandowski and Matty Cash scoring a combined four goals in their last four competitive fixtures. A draw tomorrow isn’t ideal for the Netherlands, as it still keeps the Eagles within reach of the top spot.
It won’t be an easy road, though, as goal difference will play a huge role under this scenario. If Poland draw against Oranje and win their last game against Malta, the Eagles will still need to score 14 goals against the latter and hope that Koeman’s side loses against Lithuania.
The Tricolours did put Oranje in a tough spot last time out, as Memphis Depay had to make the final say in the 63rd minute in a game that ended 2-3. Goal difference makes it very hard after a draw, but a loss might also pose similar challenges to the home side.
Even if the Netherlands lose their last two games, Poland still has a significant goal difference to clear for a direct qualification. Finland finds itself in a similar spot as the island nation will have to overcome their negative goal difference to obtain a play-off spot.
