By OkayGoal 
Several star names will be missing for an enticing game.
Ronald Koeman will field a much-changed Netherlands side as they face Norway in the first of two friendlies before he names his squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The Oranje host Norway in Amsterdam on Friday before then facing Ecuador next Tuesday, with the games serving as an audition for those hoping to earn inclusion in the travelling party for the 48-team tournament in North America.
And, with several players missing through injury, opportunities to impress will be increased.
Netherlands’ record goalscorer Memphis Depay is not in the squad because of a thigh injury, which Koeman conceded is a concern.
“That he is now injured is not positive,” Koeman said of the Corinthians striker. “That worries me a little more than other players. I do think he should be in top shape [for the World Cup].”
AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit is in line to make his debut after being included in the squad. Smit is expected to attract significant interest from Premier League and European clubs this summer.
Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey has earned a recall to the squad, while his team-mate Lutsharel Geertruida has been called up as a replacement for the injured Jurrien Timber.
“I want to see the boys. Then I can take everything towards a final choice,” Koeman added.
“Some players are a bit overtired. We certainly take that into account. I will change more than before, especially between the two games.”
Norway, meanwhile, will be without Erling Haaland, with Stale Solbakken electing to rest the Manchester City star.
“We take into account the total strain Erling has had over a long, long time and have concluded that the best solution for all parties is for him to take a necessary break now,” Solbakken said.
“It is special treatment. Precisely because of what Erling has been through both on and off the field. There is a lot of pressure on him, and for me it is by far the most important thing that he delivers in the World Cup in June.”
The absence of Haaland may boost confidence of a home win for the Oranje. However, with Norway having won all eight of their games en route to qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, they are a side to be taken very seriously.
And, with Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth and Crystal Palace’s Jorgen Strand Larsen still among their striking options, they should still pose a considerable attacking threat.
It will be a special occasion for Donyell Malen, who is set to win his 50th cap for Netherlands.
“I come from a small village in the north and that I am now at 50 internationals is very nice,” said Malen.
“I still have a lot of pictures of the past in Dutch national team shirts, it’s very special. It is a very beautiful journey, in which I have experienced a lot. Two final tournaments, I can name a lot of things that I have fond memories of.
“My first European Championship was very special, and my debut match is something I will never forget.”
Team news for Netherlands v Norway
In addition to Depay and Timber, Crysencio Summerville also pulled out of the squad, injury robbing him of the chance to make his debut, while Robin Roefs, Matthijs de Ligt, Noa Lang and Frenkie de Jong miss out as well.
While Haaland is being rested, Norway are still without Arsenal midfielder and captain Martin Odegaard through injury.
Predicted line-ups for Netherlands v Norway
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van de Ven, Ake; Gravenberch, Schouten; Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo; Malen.
Norway: Nyland; Ryerson, Ostigard, Ajer, Bjorkan; Bobb, Berg, Berge, Hauge; Strand Larsen, Sorloth.
Where to watch Netherlands v Norway: TV and online streams
Netherlands v Norway kicks off at 7:45pm UK time. It will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video for a pay-per-view price of £2.49.
Stats for Netherlands v Norway
- Netherlands and Norway have met 22 times, with the Oranje winning 10 times (L7, D5).
- Norway have not beaten Netherlands since a 2-1 win in qualification for the 1994 World Cup in 1992.
- Stale Solbakken’s side scored an incredible 37 goals in World Cup qualifying, with 16 of them netted by Haaland.
- Norway’s last defeat came in a 5-1 UEFA Nations League loss to Austria in October 2024. They are unbeaten in 12 games since, with their only slip-up a 1-1 friendly draw with New Zealand.
- Netherlands are also unbeaten in normal time since October 2024, a Nations League loss to Germany. They lost on penalties to Spain in the quarter-finals of that competition.
Prediction for Netherlands v Norway
Expect goals in a game between two sides that look evenly matched. An entertaining score draw appears a likely outcome.
Prediction: Netherlands 2-2 Norway
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