Virus cuts ‘Oranje’ to Koeman’s debut against France

ronald koeman begins his second period as selector of Netherlandsafter going through the bench of Barça, with a classic against France, runner-up to Qatar World Cup, in Saint-Denis. A difficult debut in group B qualifying for Euro 2024 also facing the ‘oranje’ has been reduced by a virus, possibly caused by a chicken curry in poor condition, which has so far forced five players to leave the concentration . They are central defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Sven Botman, striker Cody Gakpo, goalkeeper Bart Vergruggen and midfielder Joey Veerman, who was called up at the last minute after the loss of Frenkie de Jong.

Also without winger Steven Bergwijn after he was injured on Sunday with Ajax and the suspended Denzel Dumfries, Koeman immediately called up Stefan de Vrij (Inter), pointing to the starting eleven, Ryan Gravenberch (Bayern) and goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen (Vitesse). ).

Despite the declines, coeman will bet on 4-3-3, as opposed to the 5-3-2 of its predecessor louis van gaalto stand up to a France led by Kylian mbappe, which will launch a captain who will generate debate. “I discussed this with Antoine. I am disappointed and it is understandable and normal. In his place, I would have had the same reaction”, the PSG star said yesterday about Griezmann, who is left as second captain also by the decision of Didier Deschamps. Memphis Depay will have rivals Griezmann, his teammate at Atlético, and Jules Koundé, who is at Barça until January.

likely lineups

France:Mighty; Koundé, Konate, Upamecano, Theo Hernandez; Griezmann, Tchouaméni, Rabiot; Eat, Kolo Moauni and Mbappé.

Netherlands: Cillessen; Berghuis, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Aké; Geetruida, De Roon, Wijnaldum; Malen, Weghorst, and Memphis Depay.

Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)

stadium: Stade de France (Saint-Denis)

Time: 20.45 (UEFA.tv)