Iceland vs. Netherlands: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

Having survived a scare against lowly Kazakhstan on Friday, the Netherlands are back in Euro 2016 Qualifying action on Monday, as they take on Iceland.

The Dutch haven’t looked convincing on their road to France so far, going down to the Czech Republic in Matchweek 1 before needing three late goals to beat the Kazakhs 3-1, so they’ll need a big improvement if they’re to dispatch the in-form Iceland in their own back garden.

Guus Hiddink will be expecting a big step up from his new side, too, and while matches against opposition like Iceland were all but won before they even started under Louis van Gaal, it’s very much game on in Reykjavik.

Date: Monday, October 13

Time: 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m.

Venue: Laugardalsvollur, Reykjavik

TV Info: Sky Sports 1/Fox Sports 1

Live Stream: Sky Go/Fox Sports Go

Netherlands in for Tough Encounter

Filip Horvat/Associated Press

While the Netherlands’ form has been a little, let’s say, sketchy of late, Iceland couldn’t possibly have started their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign in better fashion.

An opening 3-0 victory at home to Turkey was followed by an identical win in Latvia on Monday evening, and they deservedly sit top of Group A.

It’s staying there that’ll be the tricky part for joint managers Heimir Hallgrimsson and Lars Lagerback, but form goes a long way in international football.

Filip Horvat/Associated Press

As SoccerWay’s statistics reveal, Iceland have lost just one of their last seven internationals at Laugardalsvollur, winning five matches in that time.

Keeping five clean sheets during that run will do nothing but enhance Icelandic confidence, so it’s clear that the Dutch have a real fight on their hands. However, with a squad oozing world-class talent, no mountain is ever too high for the Netherlands.

Hiddink deployed the 4-3-3 formation against Kazakhstan after the successful 5-3-2 from the 2014 World Cup didn’t work against the Czechs, and the difference was clear to see.

Peter Dejong/Associated Press

Opposition considered, sure, but the Dutch kept the ball impressively for the duration of the match, as their shock goal aside, Kazakhstan didn’t really get a sniff.

It was just breaking the Kazakhs down that proved illusive for the Dutch at times, but Hiddink said after the match that not panicking is the key behind success against sides with their backs against the wall—per the Daily Mail:

"After the opening goal they lined up in a (wall-like) defence. Then it is up to you to break through by executing a high-speed passing game, but that didn't always work. It is important not to panic. If you keep playing like that the goals will come sooner or later."

Peter Dejong/Associated Press

The goals came from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Ibrahim Afellay and Robin van Persie, but for large spells it looked like being one of those nights for the Dutch.

Luckily, then, Iceland will be hunting goals in their capital, which will free up space in the middle of the park for the likes of Arjen Robben to operate. And if there’s one thing you can guarantee from the Dutch in a European Championship qualifier, it’s goals—per OptaJohan:

It’s all set to be one of those games whereby the first goal is crucial, and much of that will depend on how Hiddink sets his side out.

If he sets his side out for all-out attack, then that could play into Icelandic hands, but should he adopt his normal, controlled policy, then it could be a fruitful day at the office for the Netherlands.

Prediction: Iceland 1-2 Netherlands