Luxembourg international Lars Gerson, currently playing for UN Käerjeng, has shared his insights on Group F. For the veteran of over 100 caps, the Netherlands stands out as the group’s clear favourite, while Tunisia appears as the obvious outsider. The remaining two, Japan and Sweden, he argues, will likely battle it out for the crucial second spot.
Gerson particularly praises the Dutch midfield, noting its strength and quality, comparable to the likes of Spain or Portugal, and believes matches could be decided by sheer pace. Despite a less convincing season from Virgil van Dijk, the Dutch defence remains solid. Still, Gerson raises a key question: does the Oranje have enough firepower in major matches? He wonders whether Memphis Depay, now plying his trade in Brazil, can carry the team to the final single-handedly.
For Gerson, Tunisia takes the weakest side within the group, but warns they should not be underestimated. The North Africans boast a solid defence and clear tactical structure, with an internationally experienced midfield. While they're unlikely to impress offensively, with Gerson not expecting them to progress, their discipline will make them a tough opponent nonetheless.
Having spent nine years playing club football in Sweden, Gerson knows the Scandinavians well. He notes recent turbulence: after a World Cup qualifying campaign without a single win, coach Jon Dahl Tomasson was replaced by Graham Potter. However, Sweden remains a work in progress, recently suffering a heavy 3-1 defeat to Norway. The squad, once known for its classic 4-4-2 formation, is still settling into new tactical plans. Gerson sees hope in their striking duo, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres, but believes adaptation is ongoing.
Japan, Gerson says, arrive with confidence, having beaten Brazil last year and England this spring. With an experienced coach, high pressing, and a squad featuring players from both the Premier League and Bundesliga, Japan are not to be underestimated. Gerson predicts they will secure second place in the group.
Group F is considered one of the hardest to call. The opening fixture, Netherlands versus Japan on Friday, 14 June in Dallas, could already determine who finishes top.
The Netherlands are seen as the team with the most talent and international experience. Players like Van Dijk, De Jong, and Simons on paper, be strong favourites to advance, but coach Ronald Koeman’s side must remain alert. By market value alone – €810 million – the Dutch squad should comfortably claim a knockout spot.
Japan’s “Samurai Blue” have developed a reputation as group stage overachievers, reaching the knockout rounds in 2022, 2018, and 2010. Their combination of discipline, speed, and collective spirit makes them dangerous, as demonstrated by their shock group win over Spain and Germany at the last World Cup in Qatar.
Tunisia are not to be written off either, even if they enter as outsiders, having exited at the group stage in each of the last two tournaments. In 2022, they only narrowly missed out on the round of sixteen, leaving a strong impression despite their elimination.
Sweden secured their place in Group F through the Nations League and play-off route, and can count on Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres to add firepower after a successful qualification campaign. With an estimated squad value of €364 million, Sweden boasts the second most expensive team in the group behind the Netherlands.
Matches in Group F will take place in Dallas, Monterrey, Houston, and Kansas City.
