The Netherlands' victory over Andorra last month ensured their place at next year's World Cup in Brazil, meaning you might expect this match at home to Hungary to be a dead rubber; one for Louis van Gaal to experiment with. Unfortunately for the Oranje, that isn't the case -- they've still got important FIFA ranking points to fight for, trying to squeeze into a seeded spot for the group stage draw.
Netherlands vs. Hungary, 2014 World Cup qualifying: Preview and TV schedule
The Netherlands may already have World Cup qualification confirmed, though they’ve still got important FIFA ranking points to fight for.
Dean Mouhtaropoulos
Making things even worse is that the Dutch are facing a Hungary team currently locked in an intense battle with Turkey for Group D’s second-place playoff spot, currently only a point ahead. That means the visitors won’t be short on motivation, and will be as determined as ever to add three points to their Group D tally.
For the hosts, Robin van Persie is a notable early doubt with a toe problem, while Gregory van der Wiel, Jonathan de Guzman and Stijn Schaars pulled out of van Gaal's initial squad with injuries.
Projected lineups
Netherlands: Michel Vorm; Daley Blind, Bruno Martins Indi, Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat; Rafael Van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder, Kevin Strootman; Jeremain Lens, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben
Hungary: Ádám Bogdán; Vilmos Vanczák, Zsolt Korcsmár, Tamás Kádár, Richárd Guzmics; Tamás Hajnal, Ákos Elek; Balázs Dzsudzsák, Dániel Böde, Vladimir Koman; Krisztián Németh
Match Date/Time: Friday, 8:30 p.m. local, 2:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands
TV: SBS 6 (Netherlands)
Online: WatchESPN (U.S.)
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