NORTH MACEDONIA have earned plenty of plaudits at their first major finals but head into their final Euro 2020 group game with only pride to play for against the Netherlands.
I thought the minnows might stand a chance of sneaking into the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams after they claimed a shock 2-1 win over Germany in World Cup qualifying.
But despite impressive displays against Austria and Ukraine they failed to secure a point from their opening two games, meaning an early return home.
The Dutch have already secured top spot in the section after beating the same two opponents so the pressure is off for both sides.
Frank De Boer's side didn't impress me in their warm-up draw with Scotland but they have been superb going forward at the finals, netting five times and making countless chances.
A weak defence could still prove their undoing but De Boer is likely to rest a few of his big hitters here ahead of their last-16 clash next weekend.
How the bookies view it
It's no surprise to see the Dutch as heavy odds-on favourites at a best 4/11 with SBK and North Macedonia as 11/1 shots at William Hill. The draw pays 9/2 with Betfred.
Head to head
The Netherlands are unbeaten in their four clashes with the Macedonians, although this is the first time they have met them in their new guise as North Macedonia. The first two meetings ended in draws in qualifying for the 2006 World Cup but the Dutch won both games in the 2010 qualifiers, including a 4-0 victory in Amsterdam (below).
Players to watch
I'd expect De Boer (below) to make some changes with his side already through. Luuk De Jong could come in for Wout Weghorst up front and the Sevilla striker appeals at 7/5 with Paddy Power for anytime scorer.
Macedonia should field their strongest team as they look to sign off from their first major finals with a shock win. Eljif Elmas has impressed in both their games and the Napoli man is 7/1 with Unibet for a goal.
Anything else catch the eye?
I tipped BTTS in Holland's clash with Austria but it was the only bet that didn't land for me that night as De Boer's side kept it tight at the back for once.
That bet has landed in both of North Macedonia's games though and boss Igor Angelovski has vowed to go for it in Amsterdam. So I'm going for BTTS again at 21/20 with SportNation while over 3.5 goals is a best 7/4 at Betfair.
I'd be surprised if the ref was busy as there's nothing but pride to play for and under 2.5 cards pays 6/5 with Bet365.
For a longer-odds option, William Hill are offering 15/2 on each side winning over one corner in both halves and that could stand a chance if North Macedonia go for it as promised.
This Euro 2020 match between North Macedonia and Netherlands will be played on Jun 21, 2021 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best North Macedonia vs Netherlands prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
