Both the Netherlands and Canada have busy schedules in early June. The Netherlands need friendly matches to practice before EURO 2024, while Canada will also participate in Copa America this summer.
For the Netherlands, this was their first match after a 1-2 defeat to Germany since the end of March. Therefore, coach Ronald Koeman will really like to have more opportunities to review the squad.
It has been 36 years since the Netherlands last won EURO, so they will set a high target in this year's tournament. With the current personnel, it is not necessarily that Koeman's team does not have a chance.
On the other side of the front line, Canada is also actively preparing for Copa America. This team has not been in good form recently, with 2 wins and 3 losses in the last 5 matches. Those defeats came against not-so-high-rated opponents like Jamaica, Japan and the US.
In terms of force, of course Canada cannot be compared to the Netherlands. Previously, the two teams had only met once in history, with the European representative winning 3-0.
In terms of personnel, if Koeman continues to use the 3-defender system, Nathan Ake, Daley Blind and Jeremie Frimpong will compete for the starting position.
Teun Koopmeiners and Cody Gakpo could return to the starting lineup, while Frenkie de Jong is absent due to injury.
On the other side of the front line, with the absence of Joel Waterman, coach Jesse Marsch needs to find an alternative if he still believes in the 5-back formation.
Up front, Ike Ugbo, a former Chelsea player, will take on the role of leader.
Expected lineup:
Dutch team: Verbruggen, Ake, De Ligt, Van Dijk, dumfries, Veerman, Reijnders, Blind, Koopmeiners, Gakpo, Depay.
Team Canada: Crepeau, Buchanan, Laryea, Miller, Johnston, Davies, Eustaquio, Kone, David, Larin, Ugbo.
The friendly match between the Netherlands vs Canada takes place at 1:45 am on June 7 (Vietnam time).
