France W vs Netherlands W prediction: EUROPE: Euro Women – Play Offs betting tips on match 2022-07-22 19:00.
France have found themselves thrust into one of the more difficult last-eight ties despite coasting their way through to the knockouts as one of the four undefeated group stage winners (W2, D1). Les Bleues now return to the familiar surroundings of Rotherham’s New York Stadium, where they played all three group stage fixtures, as they face defending champions, the Netherlands.
French manager Corinne Diacre used their 1-1 draw against Iceland in near-record heat as an opportunity to shuffle the pack amidst a Euro-ending injury to Marie-Antoinette Katoto, making several changes from the sides that conquered both Belgium (2-1) and Italy (5-1). France’s quickest-ever Euro strike (46 seconds) was the highlight of a performance that Diacre stated needed to be “more clinical”, but a third consecutive game in which France scored in the opening 10 minutes proved they can be clinical in the opening stages.
Goal difference was all that separated the Dutch from Group C winners Sweden as they progressed beyond the group stage for the third time from their four Euro appearances since 2009. Despite missing Arsenal star Vivianne Miedema due to COVID for two of their three group games, the Netherlands were one of just five nations, alongside France, to accumulate at least eight goals along the way.
Mark Parsons’ Dutch side will again be spurred on by seas of orange that twice broke the tournament attendance record for non-finals matches not involving a host nation (now 22,596). His side may need that unwavering support too, having conceded twice inside the opening half hour in a 1-3 loss away to France earlier this year, leaving Parsons all too aware of the early threat France will offer.
Players to watch: French forward Melvine Malard has scored in her last three games for club or country when named in the starting XI. Similarly, Jill Roord has scored in eight of her last 13 starts for Wolfsburg or the Netherlands, including two team opening goals in her five most recent internationals.
Hot stat: Netherlands have failed to win their last five games as pre-match outsiders (D1, L4).