The Netherlands meet Germany in a football friendly on Tuesday evening in what is Oranje’s last international of the year.

There were calls for the game to be cancelled because of the Paris terrorist attacks but the team coaches said it should go ahead as a symbol of solidarity and show of support for France.

Playing the game is a gesture to the victims and survivors of the attacks, Dutch coach Danny Blind said. ‘But it is also a signal in the context of freedom, democracy and solidarity. Sport is a unifying force and we have to use it.’

The French national anthem will be played ahead of the match, not the Dutch and German anthems, broadcaster Nos says.

Germany was playing France in a friendly at the Paris stadium when the terrorist attacks took place. The German squad stayed overnight in the Stade de France.

The arch rivals have met on 45 occasions but the last time the Dutch beat Germany was in 2002.

Oranje, who have failed to qualify for the 2016 European championships, beat Wales 3-2 in a friendly tie on Friday.