Belarus vs Netherlands 14/10/19

14 October 2019

The Netherlands continue their 2020 UEFA European Championship Qualifying (ECQ) campaign at the Stadion Dinamo in Minks where they take on Belarus.

The hosts have endured a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign, suffering four defeats in as many outings. While three of those losses saw Belarus concede over 1.5 match goals, just one has witnessed them find the back of the net. However, the White Wings go into this meeting on the back of two consecutive qualifying matches without a loss (W1, D1), although both results have come against rock-bottom Estonia. In addition to a 4-0 defeat in the reversed fixture, Belarus have lost two successive H2Hs with the Netherlands before, allowing 3+ match goals in both of those clashes while scoring one apiece. Another huge problem for the home side relates to their underwhelming displays in the final third when at home, as Mikhail Markhel’s players have failed to hit the net in all four of their previous competitive home matches.

The visitors have, on the other hand, pulled off a stunning late comeback to beat Northern Ireland 3-1 at home last time out and secure the top spot in Group C. It was the Netherland’s fourth victory in five ECQ fixtures (W4, L1), all of which have seen them score three or more goals. Furthermore, both of Holland’s away wins over Germany and Estonia have seen them score four goals precisely, with seven of eight goals they netted in those matches coming after the halftime break. Also, it will be Oranje’s fourth trip to Belarus in the 21st century, with the visitors running out as winners twice in their last three visits (W2, L1). The one thing that could trouble the traveling side is that they’ve failed to keep a blank sheet in seven of their last eight trips, friendlies included.