France vs Netherlands Preview and Live Score: Euro 2008

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France vs Netherlands Euro 2008 Match Live Updates

Two favorites of Euro 2008, France and Netherlands are facing each other in a very important Group C clash tomorrow (13 June 2008, Friday) at the Stade de Suisse, Berne in Switzerland. You know that Group C has been termed as the ‘Group of Death’ in the tournament with the presence of three tournament favorites- France, Netherlands and Italy- and a dark horse- Romania. So, this group was in the centre of all attraction even before the tournament kicked off and the world has already experienced a classic match between Italy and Netherlands in the opening day of Group C. Now, France vs Netherlands match is coming up next to present another mind blowing match in Euro 2008. Both sides have all the qualities to stand up against any side and demolish any football powerhouse in their days. So, you can expect something special in the match between Netherlands and France tomorrow.

Match: France vs Netherlands, Group C Match of Euro 2008

Venue: Stade de Suisse, Berne

Date: 13 June 2008

However, the two sides started their Euro 2008 campaign differently. Netherlands defeated world champion Italy 3-0 in their tournament opener, while France started with a tedious 0-0 draw against Romania. While France struggled to find their goal scoring form against Romania, Netherlands appeared with their prime form to demolish Italy in their opening match in the tournament.

The way Netherlands started the tournament was something more than what they could have wanted to. Their 3-0 victory over Italy might make you consider that Italy was not at their prime in the match. However, the truth is that Italy was also in impressive form throughout the match, creating a number of goal scoring chances. However, the reason behind the triumph of Netherlands is that they were better than Italy in the match. So, you can now make a guess about the current form of Netherlands, who demolished a world champion side even when they were not in bad form.

For France, I think, it was not a good start in the tournament, even though I admit that Romania has been in impressive form throughout the qualifying round. France might come up with some reasons behind their lackluster opening match performance, saying that they were without their all-time highest goal scorer Thierry Henry and Captain Patrick Vieira in the match. Yes, that is true, but still, in the presence of a solid midfield and experienced Nicolas Anelka in the upfront, France failed to live up to the expectation in their opening Group C match against Romania. So, ahead of the match against formidable Netherlands, I think, Coach Raymond Domenech has got to worry about a thing or two. No doubt, France has to be at their best if they want to put up a good challenge against Netherlands in the match.

France vs Netherlands: Head to Head

The two football powers faced each other on eight occasions so far and record shows that France has better performance against Netherlands in head to head clashes, with France winning four matches and Netherlands emerged winner twice. The two other matched ended up in draws. Netherlands and France played against each other last time in a friendly match in 2004. However, Netherlands defeated France in their last meeting in European championship, when Netherlands emerged winner against France 3-2 in Euro 2000 tournament.

France vs Netherlands Recent Performance

France’s recent form is not that much impressive. French side could clinch only three victories out of their last seven outings, against a three draws and a defeat to Spain earlier this year. However, Netherlands is much better side in terms of their recent form. The Dutch side recorded five victories out of their last seven matches with a draw. However, they suffered an unexpected defeat to underdog Belarus last November in the qualifying round of Euro 2008 tournament. However, it is pretty clear that Netherlands has better recent success than that of France.

Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry Expected to Come Back for France vs Netherlands Encounter

France might appear with their full strength as Captain Patrick Vieira and ace striker Thierry Henry have already been back in practice after recovering from their injury problems. Henry missed the opening match with a thigh injury, while Captain Patrick Vieira was suffering with a left thigh tear and was out of action since May 30. Both the players played 45 minutes of a practice match against a local side on Tuesday. No doubt, with Henry and Vieira back in the contention of starting line up, it would boost up the confidence of France ahead of the match against Netherlands. If the two players are drafted in the starting line up, Henry will replace Nicolas Anelka, while Vieira would come in place of Jeremy Toulalan. However, France Coach Raymond Domenech has recently indicated to bring four changes against the Dutch.

The two full backs- Willy Sagnol and Eric Abidal- were not at their prime in the first match, and they could be replaced by right back Francois Clerc and left back Patrice Evra respectively. However, Domenech is less interested to bring any change in his back four, as he thinks that a team’s strength comes from a solid defense and he is not interested to turn French defense upside down.

Arjen Robben Back in Training and Ready for France vs Netherlands Clash

If Henry and Vieira boost up France’s confidence, Netherlands fans also have a good reason to cheer on, as midfielder Arjen Robben has been back to training and Coach Marco van Basten is happy to inform that the Real Madrid player is not ready for the match against France on Friday, though initially it was thought that Robben might miss the all parts of the first round action of Netherlands. However, the reality is that he has recovered from his groin injury. However, it is not yet sure if he would be handed a place in the starting line up or brought on as a substitute. Whatever it is, Arjen Robben would give an additional option for the coach.

Marco van Basten Upbeat ahead of the Match against France

The Netherlands coach is now upbeat ahead of his team’s next encounter with France tomorrow. Following Netherlands’s triumph over Italy, it is natural that Dutch coach would be confident and is looking forward to continue the similar fashion against France as well. However, he did not forget to mention that France had been one of the most powerful teams in the last 10 years. Marco van Basten also thinks that his side has a long way to go and insists on performing well in more than one match in order to prove their favorite tag. I am quoting some lines from his expression about the next match from Sky Sports:

"France's match (a 0-0 draw with Romania) was really not a spectacle, but we expect a complicated match against the French.

"To be the favourite, it is necessary to be good for more than just one match. We still have a long way to go.

"But I would readily accept a repeat of our Italian job against France. We managed it because some of my players have really matured since the 2006 World Cup.

"Each opponent requires a different approach. It is necessary to take account of the power of your adversary. And on Friday, France will be strong. They have been one of the most powerful teams in the last 10 years."

France vs Netherlands: Online Live Score and Updates

I think, you are already planning to watch the match live on your television. However, some of you might not be that much fortunate to be able to watch the match live on your television sets because of your personal or professional works. Now, here I am giving some links of online live score website from where you can get the online live score and updates of the match:

I think, both sides have what it takes to win a match against any big side in the football world. Considering the recent form, it may seem that Netherlands is favorite against France, but it should be remembered that France did not start the 2006 FIFA World Cup as a top favorite, but then ended up becoming runner up in the tournament. So, Netherlands would make a mistake if they take France lightly, but the reality is that the Dutch side and their experienced coach know it very well that France is not a side to be taken lightly and there is no scope for the Dutch to be relaxed ahead of the match against France.