Netherlands vs Scotland live on June 2, 2021: How to watch this interesting friendly in 112 countries

June 2, 2021 By Ali M.

Topics: TV Schedules, Netherlands, Scotland, International Friendly

The Oranje will look to add Robertson and Co. to their list of victims when the two European sides lock horns in preparation for Euro 2020.

Preview

The Netherlands and Scotland, two participants in this summer's European Championship, will lock horns on Wednesday in an interesting friendly in preparation for the highly-anticipated Euro 2020 tournament. This 2:45 p.m. ET clash will take place at the Estádio Do Algarve in Portugal as both sides aim to register a win to bolster their confidence.

Scotland will be appearing in their first major tournament in over 20 years, last being seen on the international scene in the 1998 World Cup in France. Their participation in the latest edition of the UEFA Euros will be remarkable, having last featured in this competition back in 1996. Their path to the pan-European event was unforgettable but, unfortunately, also grueling.

The Tartan Terriers finished third in Group I behind leaders Belgium and runners-up Russia, winning five and losing the remaining five of their 10 Euro 2020 qualifiers. Fortunately for them, their road did not end there as they were granted a spot in the playoffs thanks to their UEFA Nations League performance. As a result, Scotland were given two games to secure qualification; all they had to do was win them both.

And win them both, they did. Robertson and Co. took on Israel in the semi-finals of Path C, beating their rivals 5-3 on penalties after a goalless draw to set up a final showdown with the tricky Serbia. Ryan Christie put Scotland 1-0 ahead and they appeared destined for the win in regular time until Luka Jovic's 90th-minute equalizer sent the fixture into extra time. The deadlock could not be broken and for the second time running, Steve Clarke's side required a penalty shootout to determine the game. Fortunately, luck was on their side once again, with David Marshall saving Mitrovic's spot kick to end their long wait for an appearance at a major international tournament.

As for the Netherlands, they have ended a drought of their own, albeit a shorter one, having failed to qualify for the two last major tournaments – Euro 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Oranje will look to mark their return with a strong showing, and given that their toughest opponent in Group C is Ukraine, the Dutch should make the round of 16 at the very least.

After replacing Ronald Koeman, the man who oversaw the Netherlands' resurgence, current head coach Frank de Boer initially failed to impress, failing to win his first four games in charge. Things have improved since then, with the European heavyweights triumphing in four of their last five games, including a 7-0 thrashing of Gibraltar in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Will the Oranje add Scotland to their list of victims? Tune in to find out.

Team news

Netherlands: There will be no Virgil van Dijk, with the world-class center-back confirming his absence from Euro 2020 after missing the majority of the 2020/21 season. This means De Ligt and De Vrij are likely to be De Boer's center-back partnership, with Nathan Ake being a viable option. Jasper Cillesen is yet to join up with the team after testing positive for COVID-19.

Scotland: Ryan Fraser and Oli McBurnie have injuries, meaning Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes are likely to be Steve Clark's go-to options in attack. Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, John McGinn and Scott McTominay are Scotland's Premier League contingent and thus they will be relied upon for the win.

Key stats

The last time these two sides met, the Netherlands emerged triumphant 1-0.
Since 1986, Scotland have managed only one win against the Oranje.
Frank de Boer has won only four of his 10 games in charge of the Dutch national team so far.