Netherlands

FT

2 : 3

vs

HT 0 : 2

Germany

In order to prepare the teams for the qualifiers since they've barely played together as a team for a long time now. These are simply the risks of professional football, teams do it before the world cup too, and if I'm not mistaken, they can choose not to prepare with friendlies, some teams opted out of that habit the last world cup (if I remember correctly).

More importantly, each game (including friendlies) brings points for the FIFA rankings and especially teams in groups of 5 would be at a disadvantage if they didn't play the friendlies when they have the chance. For example, Netherlands has been playing the likes of Germany and France while Portugal can play against easier opponents simply because of this weird ranking system which gives teams with more popular stars some advantage. Because fans may want to see stars rather than higher ranking teams play. Also your opponents' ranking is decisive for the points you earn. That is also the reason why Argentina and Brazil play friendlies with the top ranking European national teams every year. You're welcome Aficionado :)

Yeah, return game vs Germany is played first after International break, so that game will be fair, but advantage for Germany for playing at Home, but 2nd in group is fine, its only Qualifiers .

I have to admit that I rather expected Oranje to win the game after the 2-2. the Netherlands played some impressive pressing in the second half and a draw would have been justified. It was a very good match though and unlike our friendly against Germany it was a tough but fair game, too.

Remember this comment and w8 a few years, u don't watch them week in week out. They will the some of the best in football

Of course a biased Ajax fan will say that

One game is enough for you to issue such veredict. Football genius detected.

You guys are explaing stuff to a person who never watched 10 minutes of a football match and never will

tawqir says things as attempts to get others worked up.. cmon everyone, hes on here everyday saying it

It's been added now.

Did you see how Serbia interpreted the "friendly"? That c**t Pavkov got a straight red. In a FRIENDLY!

When they let go of superstars its no surprise they let go of a player like Gnabry.

B/c Wenger and Kroenke are donkeys

Good run and fantastic finish. But van Dijk's gesture when defending Gnabry is very uncharacteristic from him.

Because it is Arsenal. You can't never understand anything they do.

Because they're Arsenal. Surprised they didn't trade him to your team.

You do have a point there... But ask yourself, would Gnabry have managed to develop his skill at Arsenal?
My point being - had he stayed at Arsenal he wouldn't have scored this goal today. I give alot of credit to the Bayern coaching staff and his Bayern teammates for helping him develop his talent.

@TheLamb: you make valid point, but that throws an even darker shadow on Arsenal. How could such a talented player pass right under their nose without them recognizing it...

you were saying.....

Exactly what I said... you want it read for you?

This is why you shouldn't comment before the match although I was thinking Germany would lose after I saw the line-up.

I didnt say Germany was going to lose, I questioned the line-up. Or I have no right questioning things in a random football site?

Low changed after struggling. At least he knew it wouldnt work like last times.