Netherlands vs. Hungary
Netherlands will play their final warm-up match against Hungary, who have not qualified for participation in the World Cup this year. La Oranje have been playing a very attractive style of football in the buildup to South Africa 2010. In previous friendly matches, the Dutch scored 6 times against Mexico and Ghana while conceding only 2. There is never a lack of talented midfielders and strikers in the Dutch squad but Bert van Marwijk still needs to fix some leaks in the back.
La Oranje are now 18 games undefeated (tying previous record) and will definitely be causing some trouble for a Hungarian side that lost 3-0 to Germany last week. The Magyars are in somewhat of a slump regarding international performance, not having qualified for a World Cup or European Championship since 1986 when they were knocked out in the first round by Mexico. The younger generation shows some promise as the U-20 side finished third at the 2009 World Cup in Egypt. However, their current priority is qualification for Euro 2012 and they will take this match as a learning experience as they have little hope of defeating the Dutch in Amsterdam.
Match details:
Netherlands vs. Hungary
Saturday 5 June, 2010 – 1:00 PM (GMT)
Friendly Match
Amsterdam Arena – Amsterdam
Possible starting XIs:
>> Netherlands: Stekelenburg – Van Bronckhorst, Mathijsen, Heitinga, Van der Wiel – De Jong, Van Bommel, Afellay, Sneijder, Kuyt – Van Persie.
>> Hungary: Kiraly – Bodnar, Juhasz, Vanczak, Bodor – Huszti, Horvath, Vadocz, Dzsudzsak – Koman, Torghelle.
Head-to-Head History:
| Date | Match | Result |
| 01.06.1994 | Netherlands – Hungary | 7:1 |
| 29.04.1987 | Netherlands – Hungary | 2:0 |
| 25.10.1986 | Hungary – Netherlands | 0:1 |
| 14.05.1985 | Hungary – Netherlands | 0:1 |
| 17.10.1984 | Netherlands – Hungary | 1:2 |
| 10.05.1967 | Hungary – Netherlands | 2:1 |
| 07.09.1966 | Netherlands – Hungary | 2:2 |
Summary:
The last time these teams met was in 1994, where the Magyars were crushed 7-1 in Amsterdam. A similar result is not out of the question with La Oranje in such great form. Hungary will not come into this match with much confidence after losing 3-0 to Germany on home soil, so a single goal could unravel both their defense and their spirits. Robin Van Persie has been on fire, scoring 3 times in the last 2 friendlies. Earning the starting nod yet again, the Arsenal hitman will aim to increase his international tally.
Prediction: Win of Netherlands; Over 2.5 Goals