Netherlands vs Wales Pre-World Cup friendly match will take place at the Amsterdam ArenA (Amsterdam) on Wednesday June 4, 2014 (11:15 AM PST).
After two decidedly average displays, the Netherlands face Wales in the last warm-up game before they face the Spanish in their first group game at the World Cup.
Having scraped past Ghana 1-0 and drawn 1-1 with Ecuador, Louis van Gaal is unlikely to be too troubled, and will be expecting a comfortable victory against a Welsh side missing Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale – their two best players.
Holland Team News
This game represents the final chance to assess his 23-man squad before the opener, and only 7 members of the party participated in 2010 when they controversially lost to Spain in the final.
Van Persie is in great form right now having scored in each of the friendlies, and he will again be leading the line for a side who – in the big games – are currently an unknown quantity.
Arjen Robben will provide his usual threat and theatrics, but in a side previously accused of having too many egos, the Dutch can take great heart from the fact that there are many new and talented faces in the squad who are hungry for success. Johnathan de Guzman is the only absentee for the Dutch with a hamstring problem.
Wales team News
Despite missing their two most prominent stars, Wales are unbeaten in four games and most recently despatched a talented Iceland side 3-1 back in March.
The Dutch will represent a very different kind of challenge to any of the sides Wales have met recently, and with so many second string Premier League players in the side, as well as a number of Championship level performers, it could be a tough night.
For the Welsh, it is a pre-cursor to Euro 2016 qualifying which starts in Septemberand they will be hoping that both Ramsey and Bale can make themselves available for these games when they come around.
Netherlands vs Wales Prediction
As one of the favourites for the World Cup, the Dutch will be looking to make a statement in their last game before the tournament begins.
They will also be keen on taking some momentum into a crunch tie with Spain, before meeting Australia and Chile.
Wales have always shown a lot of grit and determination which – when mixed with the raw power and ability of Bale – can provide them with all the artillery they need to take down their rivals, however there is no Bale this time, so the Dutch should win at a canter.
Netherlands 2 – 0 Wales
Netherlands vs Wales Television
The Netherlands vs Wales match will be televised in the USA on ESPN3 and ESPN Deportes at 11:15 AM Pacific on Wednesday.
