This is at stake for the Orange in the last international match before the World Cup | Dutch football

With ten points from four games, the Orange squad is in excellent shape in group 4 of Division A of the Nations League. Belgium (7) is three points behind. Poland (4) and Wales (1) should especially try not to relegate.

In the event of a tie in the group, the mutual result is the deciding factor. Because Belgium was defeated by no less than 1-4 in Brussels at the beginning of June, the group win can more or less be secured on Thursday with a victory in Warsaw. Only a major defeat in a sold-out Johan Cruijff Arena against the Red Devils on Sunday would throw a spanner in the works for the Orange.

The four group winners of the different groups qualify for the final round next summer. At the first edition, in the 2018/2019 season, the formation of then national coach Ronald Koeman made it to the final, in which Portugal was just too strong 1-0. France is currently defending the title after being 2-1 too strong for Spain in the final battle last year.

An additional advantage of good performances in the Nations League is that the tournament can form a back door to the European Championship in 2024. The best countries that do not qualify for the final tournament in Germany via the regular route can enter the European Championship play- offs still compete for the three remaining tickets.

In addition, points can be earned for FIFA world rankings in the coming week. The Netherlands is currently in eighth place and has to tolerate Belgium (second behind Brazil) well in front of them. A higher place in the world ranking can in some cases lead to a more favorable draw at major tournaments and in qualifiers.

There is also financially at stake for the KNVB. Participation in the tournament already yields 2.25 million euros and with group wins that amount doubles. If the Orange then also wins the Final Four, the association will receive another six million euros.

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But apart from the sporting and financial interests, the tournament is mainly the last measuring moment for Van Gaal towards the World Cup in Qatar. The tournament starts on November 20 and a day later, the Orange squad will play its first group match against Senegal, followed by duels with Ecuador (November 25) and host country Qatar (November 29).

“For us this is the last opportunity to see the boys at work before we have to announce our World Cup squad,” Van Gaal emphasized when announcing his final squad for the matches against Poland and Belgium. “As I’ve said before, the preparation time for this World Cup is extremely short, so I have to make good use of all the available time.”

The current squad is therefore the last that Van Gaal makes before the final World Cup selection. The list now has 25 men, he can bring 26 players to the World Cup. The group seems to be known for about 85 percent, but among the keepers there is still plenty of battle. So there are still plenty of players who have to seize this international period to compete for their spot.