Preview: Netherlands vs. Germany

With Spain facing Russia in Group B's early start, both Netherlands and Germany will be keen to record three points when they meet in their opening match of the competition at the HaMoshava Stadium on Thursday.

Neither side has appeared at the European Under-21 Championships since last winning the title, but both secured qualification in style to ensure a spot in the finals.

Netherlands finished first in Group 10, before overcoming Slovakia 2-0 in each leg of the playoffs, while Germany, who finished eight points clear at the top of Group I, recorded a 4-2 aggregate win over much-fancied Switzerland.

Thursday will be the fifth international meeting between the two sides at this level, but they have not met for 25 years. However, a friendly match in March 2011 ended in a 3-1 win for Germany.

As mentioned, neither has appeared since last claiming the title, with Netherlands' success arriving in 2007, before Germany ran out 4-0 winners in the final against England in 2009.

Netherlands have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the tie, with Jeroen Zoet expected to add to his 18 caps between the sticks. Daley Blind should also start in defence, but Ricardo van Rhijn could be forced to start on the bench.

One of the strongest midfields in the competition should include the likes of Adam Maher and Kevin Strootman, while Luuk de Jong will hope to add to his four goals at this level in attack.

Germany, meanwhile, will be led by Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lewis Holtby, who will hope to add to an impressive total of 13 goals in 21 appearances at this level.

Highly-rated Bayern Munich midfielder Emre Can is also expected to feature from the start, while two from Kevin Volland, Peniel Mlapa, Sebastian Polter and Pierre-Michel Lasogga will start in attack.

Recent form

Netherlands: WWWWW

Germany: WWDDW

Possible lineups

Netherlands: Zoet; Blind, Nuytinck, Van Aanholt, Leerdam; Fer, Clasie, Strootman, Maher; De Jong, Wijnaldum

Germany: Baumann; Jantschke, Sobiech, Sorg, Rudiger; Holtby, Can, Rudy, Herrmann; Mlapa, Polter

Sports Mole says: 2-1