The top two in Group G are set to collide on Friday, as Poland welcomes the Netherlands in what feels like a proper World Cup decider. Oranje sit three points clear at the top; win here and they’re through. But Poland, with their home crowd roaring behind them, could blow this group wide open again. The Netherlands look fully prepared, as they posted a video of their final training session on their official X handle
View the post below:
Match Preview
It’s been a quietly solid campaign for Poland so far. Four wins, a draw, and one defeat, 13 points, and right on the shoulder of the Dutch. They started fast, rolling past Lithuania and Malta, before that weird 2–1 slip-up to Finland in June that no one really saw coming. They drew with the Netherlands, beat Finland in the reverse, and just recently eased past Lithuania 2–0.
There’s momentum building again. A win on Friday and they go level on points with the leaders, with just Malta left to play. Even a draw might be enough to keep them safe in the top two, depending on what Finland does. Not bad, considering the stumble mid-year.
For Ronald Koeman’s men, this is a simple job: win, qualify, move on. They’ve looked slick for most of the campaign, combining that classic Dutch control with some proper cutting edge up front. If they can ride out Poland’s early intensity and the noise in Warsaw, they’ll back themselves to finish this off before the final round.
Team News
Poland forward Robert Lewandowski should lead the front line for his country. Fresh off a hat-trick for Barcelona against Celta Vigo, as reported by softfootball, he’s still the heartbeat of this team. Sebastian Szymanski, who found the net against Lithuania, should keep his place, with Jakub Kaminski on the opposite flank.
Netherlands Matthijs de Ligt is back in the squad after some strong form with Manchester United, which has seen him through all Premier League minutes this season, as Softfootball understands, but Koeman’s probably keeping him on the bench. The backline looks set to have a strong Premier League flavour: Virgil van Dijk, Jurrien Timber, and Micky van de Ven are all expected to start.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong will do his usual thing, slow the game down when it suits him, while Ryan Gravenberch brings a bit of drive alongside. Up front, it’s all about movement and flair. Memphis Depay, leads the attack with Justin Kluivert, Cody Gakpo, and Donyell Malen around him. Wout Weghorst is out injured, which is a blow if they need a late battering ram.
Possible Lineups
Poland (3-4-3):
Dragowski; Wisniewski, Kedziora, Kiwior; Cash, Slisz, Zielinski, Skoras; Szymanski, Lewandowski, Kaminski
Netherlands (4-2-3-1):
Verbruggen; Dumfries, Timber, Van Dijk, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, De Jong; Malen, Kluivert, Gakpo; Memphis
Softfootball’s Prediction
Prediction: Poland 1–2 Netherlands
