Netherlands vs Spain: UEFA Nations League Quarter-Final First Leg
The Netherlands will host Spain in a massive UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg at De Kuip in Rotterdam. Both teams will want to get one up on each other going into the decisive second leg.
Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands has been inconsistent but still managed to finish second in their Nations League Group A3. With a mix of old hands and new blood, the Oranje will look to use home advantage and set the tone for the tie.
Spain, the current Nations League holders and European champions, are on a roll. Under Luis de la Fuente, La Furia Roja has been consistent and will look to extend their winning run in Rotterdam. But they haven’t beaten the Netherlands in 90 minutes since 1983, adding extra spice to this one.
Team News & Tactics
Netherlands
Ronald Koeman has got selection issues due to injuries. Denzel Dumfries and Jerdy Schouten are out of the squad, along with Nathan Ake, Stefan de Vrij, and Devyne Rensch.
With those absentees, Jurrien Timber and Jorrel Hato are likely to start at full-back. Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt will play in the middle of the back four. Ryan Gravenberch and Frenkie de Jong will control the midfield, with Tijjani Reijnders possibly playing the attacking midfield role. Xavi Simons and Cody Gakpo will provide width, while Brian Brobbey will lead the line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Timber, de Ligt, van Dijk, Hato; Gravenberch, de Jong; Simons, Reijnders, Gakpo; Brobbey.
Spain
Luis de la Fuente has also got withdrawals, with Inigo Martinez, Marc Casado, and Bryan Zaragoza out of the squad. But Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has been called up and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen has been included.
David Raya will likely be Spain’s No.1 in goal. The back four will feature Premier League duo Pedro Porro and Marc Cucurella at full-back, with Pau Cubarsi and Robin Le Normand in the middle. Martin Zubimendi will sit in front, with Fabian Ruiz and Pedri supporting. Alvaro Morata will lead the line, flanked by Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Porro, Cubarsi, Le Normand, Cucurella; Ruiz, Zubimendi, Pedri; Yamal, Morata, Williams.
Stats
- Netherlands are unbeaten in their last six against Spain in all competitions.
- Netherlands haven’t lost to Spain in 90 minutes since 1983.
- Spain won 16 of 18 points in the group stage.
- Spain conceded four goals in six group games.
Player to Watch: Virgil van Dijk
This match provides another platform for Virgil van Dijk to demonstrate why he remains one of the world’s best center-backs. As captain of the Netherlands, his defensive leadership and ability to organize the backline will be crucial in containing Spain’s dynamic attack.
Netherlands vs Spain Prediction
With both teams boasting quality squads and a rich history, this encounter promises to be a tightly contested affair. The Netherlands’ home advantage and strong record against Spain give them a slight edge, but Spain’s recent form and tactical flexibility make them a formidable opponent.
Netherlands 2-1 Spain
Netherlands vs Spain Live Stream
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