Finland vs Netherlands Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | World Cup Qualifiers

Finland vs Netherland Preview

Tournament: UEFA World Cup Qualifiers

Date: Saturday, 7 June 2025

Kick-Off Time: 06:45 PM GMT

Venue: Helsingin Olympiastadion

The Netherlands will travel to Helsinki Olympic Stadium on Saturday night to play Finland in the opening match of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Poland, Lithuania, and Malta are in Group G with the two countries, which are separated by 63 spots in the FIFA World Rankings. The Netherlands National Football team, who are ranked sixth in the world by FIFA, are trying to earn a spot in their 12th World Cup and will be hoping to win at least six of their eight group matches. They have failed to earn a spot in the World Cup on each of the eight occasions they have won fewer than 60% of their games.

On paper, the Dutch's journey to Finland is perhaps one of their most difficult Group G matches, but they will support themselves to win on Saturday since they have defeated the Eagle-owls in each of their previous four encounters during Euros and World Cup qualification by an overall score of 11-2.

After losing all six games in a group that included England, the Republic of Ireland, and Greece, Finland were relegated from League B Group 2 of the Nations League and lost their last eight international games in 2024 (D1 L7). The Eagle-owls finished third in the group and were only one point behind second-place Ukraine, who advanced to the playoffs, so they missed out on qualifying for the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Finland, ranked 69th in the world by FIFA, is attempting to qualify for their first-ever World Cup at the 19th time of asking. Friis will be eager to improve Finland's home record because they have only won one of their past five World Cup qualifying matches on their own pitch and have lost their last three home internationals, giving up at least twice each time.

Finland National Football Team News

Finland brings a combination of experience and tenacity to their World Cup qualifying matchup with the Netherlands. Teemu Pukki, a striker who has returned to play domestically for HJK, will be essential in spearheading Finland's assault as he earns his record-breaking 130th international cap.

Glen Kamara, a former Leeds midfielder, will provide midfield stability and is anticipated to be crucial in possession management. Despite doubts about his future at Bayer Leverkusen, Lukas Hradecky is still Finland's undeniable number one at the back. Joel Pohjanpalo is expected to lead the front line in the meantime, having just scored the first goal in the qualifiers against Lithuania.

Netherlands National Football Team News

Despite acknowledging the absence of a typical striker in the squad, Ronald Koeman has made it clear that his team is "obligated" to place first in their group. Memphis Depay or Wout Weghorst will probably spearhead the assault, while Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen are also viable choices.

After a stellar season with Barcelona, Frenkie de Jong is expected to command play in midfield. Jeremie Frimpong, who just completed a transfer to Liverpool, will join Virgil van Dijk in leading the defence. In the meanwhile, Mark Flekken, who just joined Bayer Leverkusen, will start in goal.

Finland vs Netherlands Predicted Lineups

Finland National Football Team Predicted Lineup:

Goalkeeper: Hradecky

Defenders: Alho, Tenho, Ivanov

Midfielders: Uronen, Jensen, Kamara, Kairinen, Antman

Attackers: Pohjanpalo, Kallman

Netherlands National Football Predicted Lineup:

Goalkeeper: Flekken

Defenders: Frimpong, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Ake

Midfielders: De Jong, Reijnders, Veerman

Attackers: Gakpo, Depay, Kluivert

Finland vs Netherlands Head-to-Head Record

In the past, the Netherlands has dominated its confrontations with Finland, winning 12 of their 18 meetings. In contrast, Finland have only won three of their 18 games, with the other three ending in draws. The Dutch have continuously demonstrated their dominance in this matchup, winning 2-0 in their most recent encounter in 2011. On the other hand, Finland's most recent victory over the Netherlands was a 1-0 success in 1973.

Key Players to Watch in Finland vs Netherlands

Lukas Hradecky (Finland)

The seasoned goalie has been a reliable performer for Bayer Leverkusen and is still without a doubt Finland's best goalie. His leadership skills, ability to stop shots, and ability to remain composed under pressure will be essential in containing the Dutch onslaught.

The difference between Finland being competitive and giving up early might depend on Hradecky's ability to coordinate his defence and make crucial stops in one-on-one scenarios. Hradecky has played 29 games in the Bundesliga 2024–25 season, recording six clean sheets while giving up 35 goals. He has stopped 79 of the 111 shots he has faced, maintaining a save percentage of 71.17%.

Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)

With his ability to cut inside from the left wing and generate goal-scoring opportunities, the Liverpool attacker has been playing well this season.

He is a continual danger because of his speed, dribbling, and finishing, particularly when against a Finnish defence that can find it difficult to keep up with his movements. Gakpo has participated in 35 Premier League games in the 2024–2025 season, contributing five assists and ten goals. Out of 46 tries, 23 of his shots have been on target, maintaining a 50% shot accuracy rate.

Finland vs Netherlands Prediction

The offensive prowess of the Dutch, spearheaded by Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo, should be sufficient to challenge Finland's defence despite their recent inconsistencies. Anticipate a tight, defensive lineup from Finland, who will depend on spectacular goalkeeping from Lukas Hradecky to keep them in the match. But in the end, the Netherlands' stronger midfield and offensive arsenal ought to win out.

Predicted Score: Finland 1-3 Netherlands

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