Group E - Holland face tough Swedish test
Rather too late for Xabi Alonso, Bert van Marwijk appears to have decided that his side should try and play football rather than kick teams into submission - which could be bad news for everyone else in the group.
We're being harsh on the Dutch - the final against Spain was the exception rather than the rule - and they should show what Dutch football is really about during this qualifying campaign. They're got off to a decent start, sweeping aside San Marino 5-0, before coming through a tricky game against Finland 2-1 thanks to two goals from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
They face Moldova this Friday and should completely and utterly wipe the floor with their hosts. They are currently [1.25] to get the win, but a better bet could be to back over 3.5 goals at a very tasty looking [2.6].
The Dutch are currently [1.23] to top the group, making them overwhelming favourites. Behind them in the betting is Sweden who are at [3.05] to finish on top of the table.
They have been bolstered by the return of the enigmatic (read: temperamental) Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and currently top the table after convincing wins against San Marino and Hungary. Their next qualifying game is an away match against Holland, with the winner of that clash well on their way to qualification.
Finland ([10.5]) and Hungary ([10.5]) are joint third favourites to win the group, but in reality, their clash on Tuesday will probably only decide who will finish third in the group. Finally, we have Moldova ([21.0]) and San Marino ([20.0]). They also face each other on Tuesday in what will be a battle to avoid the wooden spoon.
Will Sweden give Holland a run for their money? Let us know what you think below...
Published: 6 Oct 2010
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