The Netherlands will enter the World Cup with familiar expectations and demons.
The Dutch are considered the best team to never lift the Jules Rimet Trophy, and they’re trying desperately to shed the reputation of always being a bridesmaid.
The Netherlands were runners-up in 2010, finished in third in 2014, and then lost to eventual champions Argentina in a penalty shootout in the quarterfinals in 2022.
Clockwork Oranje is the eighth-favorite to win the 2026 World Cup at 22/1, and they are certain to be a trendy sleeper pick among soccer fans and bettors alike.
The Netherlands plays its penultimate warm-up match against Algeria in Rotterdam on Wednesday afternoon.
The Netherlands vs. Algeria odds, prediction
It’s always a tricky endeavor to handicap international friendlies, but this one feels more straightforward than most.
The Netherlands will be playing in front of its home fans for the last time before heading to North America, and Ronald Koeman will use this match against Algeria to make his final decisions about lineups and tactics ahead of the World Cup. The final warmup against Uzbekistan next week will largely be ceremonial.
As for Algeria, this is a perfect warmup for the big show.
Get the lowdown on the Best USA Sports Betting Sites and Apps
- Check out the best sports betting sites and apps
Les Fennecs will get to size themselves up against one of the tournament’s heavyweights, and they’ll be taking on an opponent that will test their defensive mettle. That should be music to Vladimir Petkovic’s ears because the Bosnian manager will know that Algeria’s only real path to success in North America is through sturdy defensive play.
The former manager of Switzerland, Petkovic, prefers his team to set up in a low block and force his opponents into taking low-percentage shots or attempting high-risk passes to break down his defense. Algeria will look to pounce on any turnover, moving the ball up the field through Ibrahim Maza, Riyad Mahrez, and Rayan Ait-Nouri.
The Netherlands has plenty of game-breakers in its ranks, but a large portion of this roster will be looking to just go through the paces after a long domestic season. None of the Dutch stars will want to over-exert themselves in a friendly, no matter how much they want to put on a show for their home crowd.
Look for Algeria to park the bus and focus on stymying the Dutch in the first chapter of this match, while the Netherlands tries to poke and prod its way through the lines. It won’t make for the best viewing, but it does provide a betting opportunity for those who like to sweat a first-half under.
The Play: First-half Under 0.5 goals (+220, DraftKings)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
