Netherlands vs. Malta: World Cup Qualifier Preview & Historical Context
Colaboradores
The Netherlands are set to face Malta in a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier at the Eurborg Stadium in Groningen. This match holds significant importance for both teams, with the Netherlands looking to solidify their position in the group and Malta aiming to pull off an upset.
Netherlands' Road to 2026
After a disappointing penalty shootout defeat against Spain in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, the Netherlands are fully focused on their World Cup qualifying campaign. They began their journey with a solid 2-0 victory over Finland, courtesy of goals from Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries. With aspirations to reach the 2026 World Cup, having qualified for four of the previous five editions, the Oranje are determined to navigate a challenging group that includes Poland, Finland, Lithuania, and Malta.
Malta's Uphill Battle
Malta, on the other hand, has had a tougher start to their qualifying campaign, securing just one point from their opening three matches. They face a daunting task against a Netherlands side with a perfect record in their previous encounters. In six previous meetings, the Netherlands have emerged victorious in all, scoring at least four goals in five of those matches without conceding. Malta will be looking to break this trend and secure a valuable point away from home.
A Game with History
Beyond the immediate implications of the World Cup qualifiers, this match also carries historical weight, particularly for Dutch manager Ronald Koeman. Back in 1983, a controversial 12-1 victory for Spain against Malta denied the Netherlands a place at EURO 1984. The circumstances surrounding that match have lingered in Dutch football lore, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this upcoming encounter. Koeman, a member of that 1983 squad, will undoubtedly be keen to ensure a comfortable victory this time around.
Team News and Groningen's Connection
The Netherlands held their final training session in Zeist before traveling to Groningen, marking the first home qualifier in Groningen in 42 years. Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders recently left the training camp for a medical examination with Manchester City. Ronald Koeman has strong ties to Groningen, having grown up there and scored his first goal for Oranje at Stadion Euroborg. Virgil van Dijk also made his professional debut with FC Groningen.
Looking Ahead
The Netherlands are heavily favored to win this match, but Malta will be aiming to make it difficult for the hosts. The game presents an opportunity for the Netherlands to showcase their attacking prowess and solidify their position in the qualifying group. Meanwhile, Malta will be hoping to put in a resilient performance and potentially snatch a surprise result.