The Netherlands did not expect to start their European qualifying with a loss, but that is what happened when the team fell to the Czech Republic last month. Now they must try to regain control of Group A as they prepare for a match against Kazakhstan with Iceland looming in the distance. The Netherlands have fallen to some criticism after the Czech loss considering the team also lost a friendly to Italy on top of that. The Netherlands are favored in this qualifying match if Guus Hiddink can get them back on track.
The Dutch will reportedly move back to their 4-3-3 format that they got away from against the Czech. Memphis Depay and Daryl Janmaat are not expected to play on Friday, but Arjen Robben will return after missing the past two matches with injuries. Gregory van der Wiel will also be returning to the field to complete the tactics laid out. The biggest thing for the Netherlands is the return of Robben. The team missed their winger in the losses to the Czech and Italy. The Dutch never appeared in-sync on their attack without him. The same can be said for van der Wiel who will get back his No. 1 spot as the right back.
Kazakhstan is not the worst team in Europe which is all they really have going for them right now. Group A is intense and they are expected to finish at the bottom of it. All but two of the players on the roster play for their own country and they simply lack the firepower to get a win. They held Latvia to a 0-0 draw which has been their best game to date. Things will not get easier for them facing the Netherlands who are fresh off a semi-finals finish in the World Cup. They also are unbeaten at PSV stadium for the past 34 matches. The Netherlands have heavy expectations and they are out to prove something which Kazakhstan could fall victim to.