Netherlands welcomed France to Amsterdam on Monday night for their 2018 World Cup qualification clash.
It was the visitors that led the Group A clash at the interval courtesy of a long-range strike from Paul Pogba.
Both teams had chances to add to the scoring in the second period, but Pogba's effort proved the difference as France recorded a vital three points in the section.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live 2018 World Cup qualification coverage continues from Amsterdam as European giants Netherlands and France lock horns in Group A. Both teams have collected four points from their two group matches thus far and both will enter the match off the back of 4-1 wins. It should be a cracking night of football from the Amsterdam ArenA. Be sure to stay tuned for the action!
Tonight will be the 25th time that these two nations have clashed in international football. France just about lead the head-to-head 11 wins to 10, while there have only ever been three draws. Their last meeting was actually a friendly in March this year, when France recorded a 3-2 victory away from home.
That said, the two teams have not clashed since the finals of Euro 2008, when Netherlands recorded a 4-1 win in the group stage. In fact, Netherlands have won the last two competitive meetings between the two nations and have not lost to France in a competitive match since June 1996.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Amsterdam. Have Danny Blind or Didier Deschamps made changes from their Group A fixtures on Friday night? Both teams put in impressive performances! Let's run through the two XIs for this match...
TEAMS!
NED: Stekelenburg; Karsdorp, Bruma, Van Dijk, Blind; Wijnaldum, Strootman, Propper; Klaassen, Janssen, Promes
FRA: Lloris; Sidibe, Varane, Koscielny, Kurzawa; Pogba, Matuidi, Sissoko; Payet, Gameiro, Griezmann
Netherlands boss Danny Blind has made one change to the team that recorded a 4-1 win over Belarus last time out, with Davy Propper replacing Wesley Sneijder, who has a hamstring problem. Kevin Strootman will captain the team from central midfield, while Tottenham Hotspur striker Vincent Janssen will be supported by Quincy Promes in the final third. Memphis Depay is again on the bench.
As for France, head coach Didier Deschamps has also made one change to the side that beat Bulgaria 4-1 last time out. It comes at right-back as Djibril Sidibe replaced the injured Bacary Sagna. Paul Pogba, Blaise Matuidi and Moussa Sissoko continue in midfield, while Dimitri Payet and Kevin Gameiro continue to keep out the likes of Anthony Martial and Andre-Pierre Gignac.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff on this mild evening in Amsterdam. I shall speak about the visitors a little bit later, but let's start with Netherlands. A positive start to their Group A campaign has seen Danny Blind's side collect four points from two matches to sit top of the section entering tonight's round of fixtures.
Failure to qualify for the finals of Euro 2016 was a major, major disappointment for Netherlands and they actually lost 2-1 at home to Greece in their last international friendly. That said, a positive start to their 2018 World Cup qualification campaign saw them draw 1-1 with Sweden last month after Wesley Sneijder, who misses out tonight, scored a second-half equaliser for Clockwork Orange.
Netherlands then turned on the style at home to Belarus on Friday night as Quincy Promes scored twice in a 4-1 victory. It was much more like it from Danny Blind's team, who will enter this match knowing that another win would stand them in good stead entering their final World Cup qualifier of the year away to Luxembourg next month. There is no downplaying the importance of tonight's match.
Netherlands famously failed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, but they reached the round of 16 in 2006, before finishing second in 2010. Then came a third-place finish at the 2014 World Cup, which represents an impressive last three tournaments. That said, despite their success, Netherlands have actually never won the World Cup. Who knows? It could be their time in 2018.
Only one team from each group is guaranteed to make it through to the finals of the competition in Russia, however, and France will also fancy their chances. Sweden could also make a challenge, but it will be tough for the likes of Bulgaria, Belarus and Luxembourg to make an impression in this section.
France, meanwhile, have also collected four points from their two group matches thus far. The Blues started their campaign with a disappointing goalless draw in Belarus last month, but thumped Bulgaria 4-1 on Friday night courtesy of a brace from Kevin Gameiro and goals from Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann. Deschamps' side actually fell 1-0 behind before responding in style.
France reached the final of the European Championships on home soil this summer, but lost out to Portugal after Eder scored in extra-time. It was a bitter blow for Deschamps's side, but they beat Italy 3-1 in a post-tournament friendly and in truth, should have won by three or four in Belarus. The response from the disappointment of the summer has been pretty good overall.
Unlike Netherlands, France have won the World Cup, with their sole success arriving on home soil in 1998. They did not qualify for the competition in 1962, 1970, 1974, 1990 or 1994, but have been present in the last five tournaments. During that run, they have fell at the group stages on two occasions, in addition to finishing runners-up and making the quarter-finals.
Indeed, their appearance in the 2014 competition saw them make the quarters before bowing out to eventual winners Germany. One look at the French squad suggests that they will be a real threat in the 2018 World Cup if their young players can progress over the next 12 months or so. Player-for-player, when everyone is fit and available, there are not many better teams in the world of football.
TEAMS!
NED: Stekelenburg; Karsdorp, Bruma, Van Dijk, Blind; Wijnaldum, Strootman, Propper; Klaassen, Janssen, Promes
FRA: Lloris; Sidibe, Varane, Koscielny, Kurzawa; Pogba, Matuidi, Sissoko; Payet, Gameiro, Griezmann
Here we go then - the national anthems have been sung and the flags have been exchanged. Suppose it is time for the football then! It is first against second in Group A tonight. Stay tuned!
KICKOFF! Netherlands kick things off on home soil...
... it must be said that there is a stunning atmosphere inside the stadium tonight. Let's hope that the football matches up! You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be crucial. This is a massive game in the context of Group A, despite being at a very early stage.
Danny Blind and Didier Deschamps in the two dugouts tonight. Blind has decided to take a seat in the early changes, but Deschamps is on his feet, monitoring developments on the front line. It has been an all-action start with both teams showing that they are prepared to commit players forward.
Varane gets up to meet a near-post corner from Payet, but his header was always away from the goal. Plenty of shirt-pulling inside the box and the referee did seem to have a good view there.
Both teams are sharing possession in the early stages of this match, but neither goalkeeper has had a save to make in the opening seven minutes. Plenty of short, sharp passing though.
Gameiro's eyes light up as he breaks into the Netherlands box, but Van Dijk is across to make a really smart challenge. That is the first time that Gameiro has been able to turn away from Bruma.
Netherlands are more than happy to sit behind the ball at the moment as they attempt to contain France and then break on the Euro 2016 hosts. It is the type of match where the first goal could be all-important as Netherlands' game-plan does rely on the score remaining level for long spells.
Still no real chances in this match, but France are threatening as they continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field. Netherlands, though, are nice and solid in a defensive area here.
SAVE! Smart save from the Dutch goalkeeper, who jumps across to keep out Gameiro's effort, which came after smart work from Matuidi. Gameiro had a lot of space there.
Much better from Netherlands in the last 60 seconds as they keep the pressure on France with two corners in quick succession, but the visitors manage to clear their lines. Some atmosphere here!
Netherlands are going to have to make a change here as Promes pulls up...
... NETHERLANDS SUB! Memphis replaces Promes for the home side.
Netherlands have been in control for the last three or four minutes as they continue to put pressure on the French, but Daley Blind's set-piece delivery has been a little disappointing. Well, 19 minutes on the clock and the only shot on target has come from Gameiro, who was denied by Stekelenburg.
Pressure from France in the last couple of minutes as they pass and probe in the final third, but they are finding it difficult to pick the lock of this Netherlands defence, which is nice and solid.
Free kick for Netherlands in dangerous position as Sissoko cleans out Karsdorp in the air...
... it is a super cross from Memphis, but somehow France scramble the ball behind.
France burst away on the counter after managing to clear their lines and Griezmann feeds Gameiro, but Van Dijk is on hand to make a fine clearance. End-to-end football in the last few moments and it ends with Sissoko's effort looping into the arms of the Dutch goalkeeper. Great game now!
France were very much in control of the ball in the early stages, but Netherlands are now the team passing and probing. It is a very interesting tactical battle at the moment, that is for sure.
This is a really good game of football in Amsterdam. Netherlands again come close as Wijnaldum delivers a stunning cross towards Janssen, who flicks the ball towards Van Dijk, but Varane rises high into the air to make the clearance. France then break with Payet, only for Bruma to make the challenge.
GOAL! Netherlands 0-1 France (Pogba)
Oh my word what a strike! Stunning from Pogba as the Man United midfielder receives the ball outside the box before firing one into the bottom corner and it is too hot for the Dutch stopper!
Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and France lead in this key Group A clash. On second look, Stekelenburg really should have done better with that Pogba strike from distance.
France want that second goal before the break as they continue to move the ball quickly in the final third and Netherlands just need to be careful that they do not drop too deep, which was the problem in the very early stages. The atmosphere remains sensational despite Pogba's strike.
Payet hits one from distance following another period of France pressure, but Stekelenburg is on hand to make the save. Not too much from Netherlands since the deadlock was broken here.
Sissoko manages to feed the ball into the Netherlands box and Gameiro comes alive, but Bruma just about does enough and the danger is cleared. France want that second before the interval.
Super defending from Kurzawa as the full-back manages to turn a low Karsdorp cross wide of the post with a number of orange shirts behind him. The pressure continues though with a corner...
... wonderful defensive header from Pogba and France can move forward.
PENALTY SHOUT! Netherlands want a penalty as Koscielny appears to handle inside the box in blocking a shot from Janssen, but the referee is not interested. The chance all stemmed from a poor pass from Payet. The Dutch bench were all up and asking for the decision!
The Dutch bench are still not happy after that penalty appeal was turned down, but it would have been harsh. The handling came during the second phase rather than an initial block. France commit players forward once again as they look for a killer second goal late in the first period.
The fourth official shows that two minutes will be played at the end of the first period.
Just the one goal in the first half, but this has been a brilliant game of football. France just about deserve their lead, but Netherlands have also showed plenty in the final third of the field here.
HALF-TIME: Netherlands 0-1 France
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with France leading in Amsterdam courtesy of a long-range strike from Paul Pogba in the 30th minute. It has been an even first half with both sides creating opportunities, but it is the visitors that have the edge in this Group A clash.
STATISTICS! France have just about shaded the possession (55%), while they registered five attempts during the first period, three of which were on target and one of which found the back of the net. Netherlands have actually only had one attempt, but they have created a number of dangerous situations in the final third of the field. No bookings to report in the opening 45 minutes.
BENCH WATCH! Netherlands have already been forced into one change tonight, with Memphis replacing the injured Promes in just the 16th minute. Head coach Danny Blind, however, still has the likes of Dost, Vilhena and Siem De Jong on his bench in Amsterdam. France, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Cabaye, Coman, Fekir, Gignac and Martial. Plenty of talent in that list!
RESTART! France resume the action in Amsterdam...
... no changes from either side at the interval, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will already be considering changes. Netherlands have to respond here.
CHANCE! Super chance for the home side as Janssen manages to turn away from Varane inside the France box, but his effort strikes the side-netting. Should maybe do better!
Netherlands really cannot afford to concede a second goal here and in fairness, the home side have started the second period on the front foot. Memphis has been neat and tidy in possession, but France are absolutely everywhere when they lose the ball. It is like watching Barcelona.
Bas Dost would be the obvious attacking option off the bench for Netherlands and the Sporting Lisbon striker is currently warming-up on the side of the pitch. The home side continue to enjoy decent possession, but they are not really threatening to level the scores in Amsterdam.
SAVE! Pogba delivers a super pass into Gameiro and the striker manages wo wriggle free and get a shot at goal, but Stekelenburg is on hand to make the save, before Griezmann blasts over! The initial pass from Pogba was absolutely out of this world!
Little over 30 minutes of this Group A clash remaining and you still get the feeling that there are more goals in this match. Netherlands just need to quicken that final pass outside the French box.
We are entering the stage of the match where both managers will be considering alterations, although neither looks close to making a decision at the moment. Still 1-0 France in Amsterdam.
Half-chance for France as Kurzawa meets a deep cross from Griezmann, but his header was always flashing wide of the post. The home supporters are doing their best to raise their team here.
Netherlands are going to have to make another change as Wijnaldum hits the deck and holds his hamstring. It appears that Dost will be the player to enter proceedings for the home side.
Half-chance for the home side as Karsdrop drives down the right and delivers a smart cross into Memphis, but the Man United attacker's effort was always moving wide of Lloris's post.
NETHERLANDS SUB! Dost replaces Wijnaldum for Netherlands.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes and it appears that France are more than happy to manage the game at the moment rather than seek a second goal.
SAVE! Super chance for Pogba to score his second of the night as the Man United attacker meets a corner inside the six-yard box, but Stekelenburg is on hand to make the save!
FRANCE SUB! Martial replaces Payet for France.
Janssen has had a good battle with France's two centre-backs tonight, but Varane and Koscielny have been equal to the threat. Still more than 20 minutes of this Group A contest to play here.
BOOKING! Propper (Netherlands) is booked for a lunge on Gameiro.
You still get the feeling that there is another goal in this match and it would not be a surprise one bit if Netherlands managed to level. The hosts have another free kick as Pogba fells Memphis...
... Memphis goes for goal rather than the cross and Lloris makes the save.
Another penalty shout for the home side as Strootman goes down inside the box, but the referee is not interested. There was not enough contact for me! France break down the other end and Sissoko manages to find a shot, only for Van Dijk to come across and make a smart challenge.
BOOKINGS! Pogba (France) and Strootman (Netherlands) are booked for dissent.
FRANCE SUB! Giroud replaces Gameiro in France's second change.
Little under 10 minutes of football remaining in Amsterdam and Pogba's strike still separates the two teams. It seems an awful long time ago that the Man United midfielder netted here!
Sidibe should do much better after breaking into the Netherlands box, but his cross is weak and the home side clear their lines once again. Still time for Netherlands to snatch a leveller tonight.
NETHERLANDS SUB! Willems replaces Propper for the home side.
Varane and Koscielny have been very impressive at the heart of the France defence tonight and that remains the case in the latter stages. Memphis again goes down inside the box, but again the referee is not interested. Suddenly the game is getting away from Netherlands!
France have had more than one occasion to really threaten on the counter-attack in the last five or 10 minutes, but the final ball has been disappointing. We are in the penultimate minute of the 90.
SAVE! Stunning one-handed save from Lloris to keep out Memphis's close-range effort!
We are into the second of three additional minutes and Blind has just sent a half-volley into the stands for the home side. A lot of pressure from Netherlands in the last couple of minutes.
As it stands, France will be level on points with Sweden at the top of Group A. Meanwhile, Netherlands would drop to third, three points off the summit. France are almost, almost there.
FRANCE SUB! Kante replaces Griezmann for France.
FULL-TIME: Netherlands 0-1 France
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with France winning 1-0 courtesy of that first-half strike from Pogba. It is a big result in the context of Group A! Right, that is just about it from me tonight, but be sure to join us again tomorrow for more international action!
