International Friendly Betting: Netherlands v USA
The Dutch have owned the USA before (well, parts of it) and they will do so again on Wednesday night, believes Tobias Gourlay.
Recommended Bet: Say ‘Yes’ to Netherlands Clean Sheet at 2.04 v USA
Coach Bob Bradley is assembling an experienced squad for Team USA’s friendly with the Netherlands in Amsterdam. Only four players are flying out from North America for the game, even though important European-based players like Clint Dempsey, Oguchi Onyewu and Charlie Davies are unavailable through injury. With only a couple more friendlies arranged for late May before South Africa 2010, this is Bradley’s last chance for a first-hand look at possible replacements before he names his World Cup squad. Expect a few reshuffles on Wednesday night.
The hosts must do without Robin Van Persie, but the excellent club form of Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder ensure they are strong favourites to beat England’s first opponents in South Africa. The case for them to win (1.55) is strengthened by their perfect World Cup qualification campaign.
One minor point of interest: the Dutch played three friendlies in October and November last year – home to Paraguay, away to Italy and Australia – and there wasn’t a single goal in any of them. In total, they drew five of their six friendlies in 2009. Consider it a very minor point of interest, probably: Team USA have drawn 1/23 friendlies outside the States since 1992.
In the absence of Davies and Dempsey, shining lights in their nation’s memorable wins over Egypt and Spain at last summer’s Confederations Cup, the best bet might be the Netherlands Clean Sheet at 2.04. The Dutch are on a run of five clean sheets in a row anywhere in the world, and have blanked five of their last six opponents at home. The only visiting player to score against them in 2009? Jermain Defoe, who did it twice when England drew 2-2 at the Amsterdam Arena in August.
