Overview
After a series of unstable performances in the September international series, the Dutch team returned strongly in midweek when scoring 4 goals against opponents that they had won 8 goals in the beginning of the year.
Cody Gakpo was the brightest star of the match with 2 goals from the penalty spot in each half, along with an assist for Tijjani Reijnders to score. Against a clearly weaker Malta, the orange team showed their complete superiority and won all 3 points, thereby consolidating their leading position in Group G.
This performance was not too explosive, but it helped the Netherlands regain confidence after a series of unconvincing matches last month, when they were held to a draw by Poland and almost let Lithuania surprise them.
With an easy victory over Malta, the Netherlands continues to have the right to decide for themselves. They have a chance to eliminate Finland from the race if they win, before entering the match against Poland for the top spot in the middle of next month.
need 3 points to hope to win the top spot and, along with a place in the World Cup for the first time, Finland will go to Johan Cruijff Arena with the historical burden on their shoulders.
The Finnish team has suffered five consecutive defeats to the Netherlands in World Cup qualifiers this century, including a 2-0 home defeat in June.
Although they can still take the top spot, they have played one more game than the Netherlands and Poland. Poland also has 10 points but has a much better goal difference.
Coach Jacob friis took over Finland in January this year. His side started their qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Malta, before picking up four points from their next three games.
After falling to 71st place in the FIFA world rankings, Finland had a hard time defeating Lithuania. They came back to win 2-1 thanks to goals from Benjamin Kallman and Adam Markhiyev.
Personnel situation
After Koeman started Wout Weghorst in the win over Malta, it is likely that this role will be handed over to Memphis Depay. The veteran striker could join Liverpool's Jeremie Frimpong and Cody Gakpo in the upcoming match.
Koeman has been forced to make many changes to the squad this month as Matthijs de Ligt, Teun Koopmeiners, Sem Steijn and Noa Lang are all absent due to injury.
AZ Alkmaar young striker Mexico Meerdink was called up to replace Weghorst and Depay, but was later withdrawn.
Meanwhile, Donyell Malen - a versatile player of Aston Villa - continues to be a quality attack for the home team. With 10 goals after 27 assists, he holds the Dutch record for the number of goals scored when coming on as a substitute.
On the other side of the front line, Finland suffered a big loss when center back Robert Ivanov was suspended due to receiving enough yellow cards. Meanwhile, captain Lukas Hradecky and veteran midfielder Rasmus Schuller are also absent due to injury.
In the goalkeeper position, Viljami Sinisalo of Celtic or Jesse Joronen (Palermo) will replace Hradecky, while key striker Joel Pohjanpalo will be the spearhead in the attack of the away team.
Expected lineup:
Netherlands: Verbruggen, Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven, Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders, Frimpong, Depay, Gakpo.
Finland: Joronen, Alho, I have, Koski, Uronen, Lod, Kairinen, Markhiyev, Kallman, Pohjanpalo, Antman.
The match between the Netherlands and Finland takes place at 23:00 on October 12 (Vietnam time).
