Netherlands vs. Germany: Date, Time, TV Info and Preview for Euro U-21 Match

Germany and the Netherlands meet in Petah Tikvah Thursday for the opening of Group B play in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship—the first Under-21 final-round appearance for either side since last winning the championship. Given the tremendous talent of both squads, their matchup should prove to be a can’t-miss affair.

Two of just eight teams to have made it to the final stage, Germany and the Netherlands have been extremely efficient through the qualifying and playoff rounds. The Netherlands dominated in its final three qualifying matches, with 14 goals scored in those contests, while Germany didn’t lose a match in 10 contests prior to the final round, winning nine and drawing 1-1 against Switzerland.

Where: HaMoshava Stadium, Petah Tikva

When: Thursday, June 6, at 2:30 p.m. ET

Television: ESPNU

Streaming: ESPN3 

While both squads know the impressive resume their opponent boasts entering the matchup, their coaches also understand the winning mindset it takes to come away with a victory in the opening championship match.

As quoted by Phil Rober on the official UEFA website, Netherlands coach Cor Pot is focused on his own players and what they have to do well to earn that victory:

“We don't talk about Germany's strengths or weaknesses. We talk about our own qualities, that is more important. We have a philosophy in Holland that we always play 4-3-3.”

Germany’s Rainer Adrion shares a similar perspective:

"

We won't take a cautious approach. Of course we know that they have great attacking talent at their disposal. They have some good players, capable of using free space by dribbling and making full use of their speed. But during the qualifying campaign we scored a lot of goals and we are always capable of finding the net here as well. Our style of play is an attacking one and we will surely not be pushed back into defense.

"

At this stage in the tournament, there’s nothing too surprising about either philosophy. It took tremendous talent to get to this point, and it will take a lot of talent (and hard work) to earn a victory in the championship stage.

Final Groups

Group A	Group B
Israel	Germany
Norway	The Netherlands
Italy	Spain
England	Russia

Germany and the Netherlands have met just five times in UEFA under-21 play, the last meeting having taken place in 1989 in a 1-0 Germany victory. While the championship rivalry between the two sides isn’t exactly fresh, the foes aren’t unfamiliar with one another.

As recent as 2011, the Netherlands and Germany squared off in an international friendly—a matchup that hasn’t been uncommon since they last met in the UEFA Under-21 championships. The sides have met five times for friendly affairs since 2002, Germany holding a 2-1-2 advantage in that span.

Even with eight total teams in the hunt for the trophy, history suggests one of the two will be in line to make a competitive run at the title with a win on Thursday. Germany and the Netherlands have combined for three championships in the last seven years, including back-to-back championships from the Netherlands in 2006 and 2007.

Bur regardless of the outcome of the opening match, there will be plenty of football still to play.

The Netherlands will square off with Russia on Day 2 of the tournament Sunday, while Germany takes on Spain on Day 2 and Russia on Day 3. The Netherlands will conclude with a matchup against Spain, closing out the group stage of championship play.