Netherlands defender Gregory van der Wiel makes Borat remark prior to Kazakhstan match

The World Cup semi-finalists meet the minnows in a Euro 2016 qualifier

Gregory van der Wiel (GETTY IMAGES)

The Netherlands have risked upsetting Euro 2016 opponents Kazakhstan after one of their players said the only aspect of the country he was aware of was the fictional character Borat.

The sides meet in a qualifier for Euro 2016 on Friday and in the build-up to the match, Gregory van der Wiel was asked what he knew about the Netherlands' opponents.

"I only know Borat, I know he’s from Kazakhstan," said the right-back who plays for PSG. "I think we’ll win 4-0 on Friday."

Borat, the fictional character created and played by Sacha Baron Cohen, caused something of a diplomatic storm when a feature length film entitled Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan was released.

The film portrayed Kazakhstan as a nation of horse unrine-drinking, dog-shooting, incest-loving people whose pursuits included the "running of the Jew" festival.

Baron Cohen starred as Kazakh Borat in Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan in 2006 (Getty Images)

Kazakhstan are currently ranked 127th in the world and with 25 of their 27-man squad playing in their domestic league, Van der Wiel could perhaps be excused his ignorance.

However, with the Netherlands losing their opening game of qualifying 2-1 to the Czech Republic, they might wish to take their next opponents more seriously.