North Macedonia v Netherlands betting tips: Minnows hope to go out on a high
Preview and odds for the Group C match
North Macedonia have proved themselves capable of causing an upset in recent times and will need to do so again if they are to avoid ending Euro 2020 without a point.
Netherlands are already through to the last 16 and can end the group stage with three wins out of three with victory at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.
Monday’s match is live on ITV and kicks off at 5pm as we highlight a few potential North Macedonia v Netherlands betting tips.
North Macedonia v Netherlands match odds
Netherlands could be forgiven for rotating their squad and not exerting themselves too much having already clinched top spot in Group C courtesy of a comfortable 2-0 success over Austria on Thursday.
Memphis Depay’s early penalty and Denzel Dumfries’ second goal of the tournament saw the Dutch build on their opening win over Ukraine against toothless opposition.
With head-to-head results being used to separate teams on the same number of points in the group phase, consecutive victories over their closest rivals mean Netherlands cannot be overhauled at the top of the standings.
Frank De Boer’s men are now guaranteed a last-16 tie against one of the best third-placed teams in Budapest on June 27, while Thursday’s result also eliminated North Macedonia.
The minnows beat Germany in World Cup qualifying in March but have failed to reach those heights in defeats against Austria (3-1) and Ukraine (2-1).
North Macedonia are 12/5 to avoid defeat and get at least a point on the board while they are 17/2 to leave with their heads held high after a surprise win.
Netherlands are just 1/3 for the win so a Dutch victory and both teams to score may have more appeal at 15/8 while they are 19/20 to be leading at both half-time and full-time.
North Macedonia v Netherlands head-to-head
North Macedonia have failed to beat Netherlands in four previous attempts but have at least managed two draws which will give them hope of being competitive.
All four meetings have been in World Cup qualifying, starting in the build-up to the 2006 tournament when North Macedonia twice came from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw at home before a goalless stalemate in the reverse fixture.
Incredibly Goran Pandev was on target in the first game and he continues to lead the line 17 years later!
In qualifying for the 2010 tournament the Dutch won 2-1 away – despite another Pandev goal – and 4-0 at home thanks in part to a first-half brace from Dirk Kuyt.
Previous XI
North Macedonia: Dimitrievski, Musliu, Ristovski, Velkoski, Ademi, Alioski, Nikolov, Bardhi, Spirovski, Elmas, Pandev.
Netherlands: Stekelenburg, De Ligt, De Vrij, Van Aanholt, Blind, Dumfries, Wijnaldum, De Roon, De Jong, Depay, Weghorst.
Team news
With Holland’s spot in the last 16 already assured, De Boer has confirmed he will make just two changes to his side for their final group game.
He said: “I think there is enough space between this game and the other one coming up, so we can play full strength in the next knockout phase otherwise you have too long a rest period between games.”
Key battles
Pandev clearly has a good record against the Dutch and is 13/10 to have at least two shots as he looks to grab his second goal of the tournament, having been denied by an offside flag against Ukraine.
He presents a tricky challenge for Juventus defender Matthijs De Ligt, who returned from injury to boost the Dutch defence against Austria.
Luuk de Jong could get the chance to replace Depay up front for Netherlands and scored in all three World Cup qualifiers in March.
View the latest Euro 2020 odds
All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
