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Preview: Struggling Holland welcome imperious Belgium

While a routine Red Devils win looks almost certain, this is football and no game was ever won on paper!

Preview: Struggling Holland welcome imperious Belgium

Holland players in training (Photo: AFP)

International friendly it may be, but when Holland host neighbours Belgium on Wednesday night, one can be assured that it will be a no-holds barred match.
Holland are a fading force in world football at the moment, a far cry from the side that reached the 2010 World Cup final, a stark contrast to the powerhouse that Belgium have become.
While a routine Red Devils win looks almost certain, this is football and no game was ever won on paper!
Holland
The Oranje have a squad which had plenty of talent, but seem to be far away from being a cohesive unit.
Manager Danny Blind has done averagely since taking over from the shambolic Guus Hiddink, winning just seven games after taking over in July 2015. He failed to make them qualify for the Euros, a calamity for a nation with such rich footballing heritage. 
Holland play a 4-3-3 formation, with Maarten Steklenburg in goal and Jeffrey Bruma, Virgil van Djik, Daley Blind and Rick Karsdorp in defence.
Kevin Strootman, Giorginio Wijnaldum and Davy Propper form an underrated midfield trio while Vincent Janssen, Quincy Promes and Davy Klaassen are the three forwards.
The Dutch have decent bench strength, with likes of Bas Dost, Siem De Jong, Memphis Depay available should the need arise. 
Belgium
Long dubbed the ‘Gold Generation’ of the nation, Belgium disappointed under now ex-manager Marc Wilmots at the 2016 Euros, losing to un-fancied Wales in the quarterfinals.
New manager Roberto Martinez has renewed hope that the immensely talented Red Devils can really take it to the next level. The Red Devils are on a three-match winning streak at the moment, with goals flowing in from a variety of players.
His side play a 4-1-2-3 formation, and on current form they look unstoppable. Thibaut Courtois is between the sticks, and has the likes of Jan Vertongen and Thomas Meunier to count upon in defence.
It is the midfield and attack which is truly star-studded, with Alex Witsel an impressive defensive shield, allowing the likes of Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Yannick Carrasco to run amok.
Talents like Kevin Mirallas and Christian Benteke sit on the bench, reinforcing the fact that this team can do something special, should they set their minds to it.
Key defender Toby Alderweireld is missing but apart from him, they have no injury concerns. Vincent Kompany has returned to fitness, so he may just partner Vertongen in the centre of defence.

Super Stat: Holland and Belgium have played a few exciting games in the past, but none come close to the 13-goal thriller in 1951, which Belgium won 7-6!
 

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