If a win against Wales in an international friendly just days back signalled the comeback for The Netherlands, they know the importance of recording a favourable result against Germany tonight.
The Dutch army have failed to qualify for the European Championships in France next year, and that comes as a shock to many. However, Danny Blind, Netherlands manager, has asserted that he is keen on rebuilding the team with an eye on the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Blind's men won their international friendly game on Friday at the Cardiff City Stadium against a Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey-less Wales side, 3-2. Arjen Robben scored a brace, while Bas Dost remained the other scorer on the night for The Netherlands.
Oranje must have got their much-needed confidence after the victory, and will be looking to taking forward the momentum to tonight's game as well. However, everyone knows the quality of FIFA World Cup Champions Germany.
'Die Mannschaft' have had no problems in sailing smoothly to the Euro 2016 finals after a fine showing in the Euro qualifiers. They come into the game tonight at the backdrop of a 0-2 defeat at the hands of France in an international friendly on a night that saw at least 130 people die in Paris in terrorist attacks.
The mental condition of the German army will be one to watch for tonight, as they were right in the scene of action as the blasts took place on that fateful night, and for any human being, it is hard to take. However, life moves on, and they have to muster all the team chemistry once again to give a good showing at the HDI-Arena in Hanover.
Joachim Loew, manager, Germany football team: "We will think of the victims, the relatives and all of France tomorrow night in Hannover. Despite everything, as a team we want to play a good game on Tuesday night. It won't be the test it had been anticipated to be. The two teams will be professional, but the result will not be as important as it normally would have been. Some players will be given the night off – those who have no winter break. It's nothing to do with the Paris attacks."
Danny Blind, manager, Netherlands football team: "I'm not the first one to say this, but I think that we should make a gesture - [not only] for the victims, the survivors and the French people but also for freedom, democracy and solidarity. In such difficult moments as during the series of attacks in Paris on Friday night, one realizes more than ever that there are more important things than football. We are put together against terror We are fighting together for freedom!"
Team news
Germany: Loew has explained that Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, Manuel Neuer, and Lukas Podolski are being rested for the game. Jerome Boateng and Jonas Hector are injured and will also not be playing.
Netherlands: Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk and Riechedly Bazoer will not be a part of the game because of injuries. Also, star player Arjen Robben will sit out owing to a pre-agreement between the two teams to rest the Bayern Munich man for the game.
Possible starting XI
Germany: Trapp; Ginter, Hummels, Mustafi, Can; Gundogan, Kramer; Draxler, Max Kruse, Muller; Volland.
Netherlands: Cillessen; Janmaat, Veltman, Bruma, Kongolo; Blind, Clasie; Depay, Sneijder, Promes; Dost.
Where to watch live
Germany vs Netherlands is scheduled for a 7:45 pm GMT (1:15 am IST, 8:45 pm BST, 2:45 pm ET) start.
Audience in the UK and Ireland can watch the game on BT Sport Europe, and stream the game live on BT Sports Live.
Audience in the US can watch the game on ESPN 3, ESPN Deportes, and stream the game live on Watch ESPN.
Audience in The Netherlands can catch the game on Fox Sports 1 Eredivisie, while those in Germany can watch the game on ZDF.
There will be no broadcast of the game in India, but the live scores can be followed on Bet365.
