The Netherlands were stunned in their Euro 2016 qualification opener, falling 2-1 to the Czech Republic thanks to a stoppage time winner from Václav Pilař. Were the Dutch caught underestimating the Czechs? Were they still adjusting to new head coach Guus Hiddink? Whatever the cause, it was a poor performance from a team that's expected to win Group A.
Netherlands vs. Kazakhstan live stream: How to watch Euro 2016 qualifying online
The Dutch are out to rebound after their loss to the Czech Republic in their Euro 2016 qualifying opener.
Buda Mendes
Facing Kazakhstan should give the Dutch a chance to rebound, assuming their heads are in the match and Gregory van der Wiel is done making Borat jokes about their opposition (which he apologized for).
While Arjen Robben will return after missing the match agains the Czechs, the Dutch injury list remains rather substantial. Daryl Janmaat, Memphis Depay Ron Vlaar, Rafael van der Vaart, and Jordy Clasie are all sidelined for the match
Key player - Arjen Robben (Netherlands)
Not having the Bayern Munich winger clearly affected the Netherlands, so having him back for Friday's match should be a massive boost for the team. He's clearly the best Dutch player at the moment and will real havoc with the Kazakhstan defense as they try to handle his speed and creativity. Despite all the other injuries and issues, Robben's return might just what the Dutch needed.
Key question - Can Guus Hiddink settle on a formation?
After tinkering with formations against the Czech Republic and Italy -- both matches that were lost by the Dutch -- Hiddink appears set to return to a more traditional 4-3-3 on Friday. If it gets a positive result, it will be hard to see him moving away from it, but you never know. Whatever Hiddink decides to do, he needs to figure it out quick to avoid any more embarrassing losses that will only increase pressure on him.
Match Date/Time: Friday, 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands
TV: FOX Sports 1 (U.S. - English), FOX Deportes (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada), Sky Sports 2/HD (U.K.), NPO 3 (Netherlands)
Online: FOX Sports Go, FOX Soccer 2Go (U.S.), Sky Go (U.K.)
See More:
