There are few rivalries in international football that are as fiercely contested as the one between Germany and the Netherlands.
So when the two take to the field in a Euro 2020 qualifier in Hamburg this Friday, it is irrelevant that the two former super-powers of world football have seen their fortunes wane recently.
Germany are ranked lowly 15th globally, while the Dutch, who were once considered the second-best team in the world are one place behind their rivals.
With Belarus, Estonia and Northern Ireland the other teams in Group C, Die Mannschaft and Oranje are expected to occupy the top two places which would see them through to the finals.
But Northern Ireland currently sit in top place, having won four out of four – albeit against Belarus and Estonia. Germany, with three wins from three, is behind them, followed by the Dutch, who have one win from two games.
Germany snatched a dramatic last-gasp 3-2 victory at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam in March, to pile the pressure on Ronald Koeman’s side, who cannot afford to drop another three points.
On Friday they will face a Germany side eager to put recent disappointments behind them. They were knocked out of the World Cup in the group stage and finished bottom in their European Nations League group and were relegated.
Football fans throughout Africa will be able to see this great rivalry play-out in Hamburg live on the StarTimes World Football channel 245, as the continent’s leading digital-TV operator has secured the broadcasting rights to the prestigious competition.
From The Sports Desk