Netherlands vs. Latvia: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview
Guus Hiddink faces a must-win fixture on Sunday when the Netherlands host Latvia in a Euro 2016 Group A qualifier at the Amsterdam Arena.
The Dutch have lost four of five since their third-placed finish at the 2014 World Cup and already trail group leaders Iceland and the Czech Republic by six points, winning just one of their first three matches.
A 3-2 friendly loss against Mexico highlighted the team's ongoing struggles, and the pressure on Hiddink is tremendous. As reported by the Daily Mail's Adam Shergold, the new Dutch boss explicitly stated he will resign if his team loses on Sunday, saying: "If we lose, it makes sense that I leave."
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Latvia are hardly world-beaters, but the visitors sit just one point behind the Netherlands and held Turkey and Kazakhstan to draws in their meetings. On paper, the hosts shouldn't have any difficulties, but with Hiddink's job on the line, Sunday's match will provide plenty of drama regardless.
Date: Sunday, Nov. 16
Time: 5 p.m. GMT/Noon ET
Venue: Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam
TV info and live stream: The match will be broadcast on Sky Sports 1 (for UK viewers) and Fox Sports 2 (for U.S. viewers), with mobile coverage available via Now TV and Fox Soccer 2Go.
Preview
Following up the successful Louis van Gaal era was always going to be a challenge for any manager, but to say Hiddink has disappointed in his short time at the helm would be an understatement.
OptaJohan made the comparison between the two managers, and it's not pretty:
The friendly loss against Italy that started this poor run of results was greatly impacted by an early red card for Bruno Martins Indi, but the Dutch squad hasn't improved one bit since.
The 2-0 loss in Iceland was almost embarrassing—the same Iceland squad was hammered 3-1 by Belgium on Wednesday, with the Red Devils benching the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and fielding an experimental team with three strikers during the second half.
Iceland are a far better team than Latvia, No. 99 on FIFA's official rankings, and a close win will hardly do Hiddink any good. His side needs to make a statement, and they'll have to do it without experienced centre-back Ron Vlaar.
The Aston Villa man injured his calf against Mexico and will be replaced by 19-year-old Karim Rekik, per Football Oranje:
"Karim Rekik was today added to the Netherlands squad for the Euro qualifier against Latvia on Sunday, replacing Ron Vlaar.
— Dutch Football (@football_oranje) November 13, 2014"
Latvia don't field a particularly imposing team—most of their top players ply their trade in the Russian Premier League, and the onus to score will be on youngster Valerijs Sabala after Edgars Gauracs dropped out of the squad with injury.
Scoring has been an issue for the visitors, but against Hiddink's makeshift defence, they may have a chance. The much-maligned back four has been hurt by a lack of physical presence in front of them, with Nigel de Jong and Kevin Strootman unavailable for selection.
Hiddink believes a lot of the scrutiny is overblown, however. The Netherlands are still in position to qualify, and he blames the media for much of the drama his squad is currently facing, via BeIN Sports:
"If we lose to Latvia then I'll take the logical step. I haven't discussed it with the players but to me a draw too would not be acceptable.
Yes we will qualify. I don't like the drama that is now swirling around the team.
There is an overreaction. But I have to accept it. The criticism is a lot harsher these days compared to when I first coached the team. But the media are competing much more with each other.
"
The Dutch are still as talented as ever in the attacking department, and star striker Robin van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar are in line to start alongside each other, per Football Oranje:
"Van Persie and Huntelaar will start up front together against Latvia on Sunday Guss Hiddink has confirmed. (via @Oranjenetwerk )
— Dutch Football (@football_oranje) November 12, 2014"
Neither player is in great form—Betfred shared this footage of Huntelaar missing a sitter against Mexico:
Much will depend on the forwards' service, however. For all of the defensive struggles and a lack of form up front, perhaps the biggest issue plaguing the squad against Mexico was the midfield.
El Tri had space to operate in all day and largely restricted the impact of the likes of Daley Blind and Wesley Sneijder, whose poor match was largely ignored due to the fabulous goal he scored.
The Netherlands will likely face a defensive wall on Sunday, with the visitors happy to grab a point in Amsterdam. If the Dutch midfielders fail to crack open the Latvian defence, the pressure on Hiddink will only increase.
Final prediction: The Netherlands control the ball and beat an overmatched Latvian squad on experience. Hiddink can smile, but only barely. Netherlands 3-1 Latvia.
