Netherlands vs Spain
UEFA Nations League: Netherlands vs Spain was one of our SBOTOP picks for the matches to watch in the international break and, with two of the most talented squads in the business coming face to face, let’s hope for an entertaining tussle.
Whilst this competition was originally pitched as a way to give friendly fixtures some meaning it’s probably gone better than UEFA had hoped, with really competitive matches between the top nations and high profile finals. Portugal beat the Netherlands to win the inaugural tournament in 2019 and then France beat Spain in the 2021 climax. La Roja then went a step further in 2023, beating Croatia in a penalty shootout… so these two teams have previous.
The tournament betting odds have installed Luis de la Fuente’s Spain as favourites to retain their title and our Netherlands vs Spain betting odds reckon they could leave the De Kuip Stadium in Feyenoord with a first leg lead. Last time out Spain won 3-2 at home to Switzerland while the Netherlands drew 1-1 away to Bosnia and Herzegovina and head coach Ronald Koeman will have his team primed for this first leg, against, arguably, the best team in Europe.
Talking Points
Oranje’s Liverpool contingent needs a lift
There is a distinctly Premier League look to the Netherlands, with ten of Koeman’s 24 man squad plying their trade in England’s top flight. Keepers, Brighton and Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen and Brentford’s Mark Flekken will contest the number one position, while Arsenal’s young wingback Jurrien Timber may well line up in defence alongside Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt and captain Virgil Van Dijk. The Liverpool centre back has two club-mates with him in the forms of midfielder Ryan Gravernberch and striker Cody Gakpo; and the three of them have suffered a miserable week.
Hot on the heels of a Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain, Arne Slot’s Reds were totally outplayed in the Carabao Cup final defeat to Newcastle United and a number of the Liverpool players looked distinctly leggy. So maybe a trip away with their countrymen may help, and I expect both Van Dijk and Gakpo to play a big part for the Oranje, with the forward alongside either Aston Villa’s Donyell Malen or Bournemouth’s Justin Culvert who is in a hot streak of form. The Liverpool boys will be keen to avoid another poor result and will need to be at their best to beat the mighty Roja.
In other Netherlands vs Spain news, top scorer Denzil Dumfries, who has three goals in the competition, has been ruled out after picking up an injury during Inter Milan’s win over Atalanta at the weekend. Koeman has called up Ajax’s 22 year old star Youri Baas and he will join club-mates Jorrel Hato, Kenneth Taylor and Bryan Brobbey. Keep an eye out too for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong who is in the form of his life for the Blaugrana.
Barca’s strength can work for Spain
The 2024 European Champions have a wealth of talent drawn from across Europe with stars from the Premier League, Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga but, led by Alvaro Morata, now in Turkey, there is, as always, a distinctive La Liga flavour to the Roja squad. And this team relies heavily on the creativity of Catalan giants Barcelona, with Euro 2024 heroes Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Pedri all starring for the current La Liga leaders, alongside De Jong of course. De La Fuente and club manager Hansi Flick are acutely aware that they need to look after the 17 year old Yamal carefully, but there is no doubting just how dangerous he can be, while Olmo is a master of his craft in an attacking midfield role. But the return from long term injury of midfield ace Pedri has been the biggest boost of all to Barcelona, and De La Fuente has hinted he will use the 22 year old in a more advanced role where he has thrived for his club.
Up front Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal could play just behind skipper Morata, and it will be interesting to see if the manager uses Oyarzabal’s former team-mate Mikel Merino, now at Arsenal, in an advanced position too. He has top class cover all over the pitch, and competition for places only makes De La Fuente’s hand stronger.
History
The Oranje have had slightly the better of the head to head meetings, with three wins to two, and there has been one draw in the six meetings.
In terms of recent form Spain have won their last five and are unbeaten in 16, with 14 victories and two draws, and while the Netherlands have only won one of their last five outings they are unbeaten in seven at home.
Betting Tip
With the Netherlands priced at 2.63, the Draw at 3.10 and Spain at 2.45 this first leg is wide open, though La Roja are expected to make it through the tie. With such an array of attacking talent on show, particularly for the visitors, I am hoping for plenty of goalmouth action.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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