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Match Preview for Netherlands by Spain
Nations League title holders are going to take over the Netherlands in the first part of their quarterly match at De Kuip in Rotterdam on Thursday night.
The winner of this tie will proceed to the semifinals in June, where they will meet either Croatia or France.
After being eliminated from England in the Euro 2024 semifinals, the Netherlands finished second in their team last year, collecting nine points from six games.
Ronald Koeman’s men suffered a 1-0 defeat to team Germany winners in October, but closed the team scene with a 4-0 win over Hungary and a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Although twice are close to lifting the Trophy League Trophy-ending the runners-up in Portugal in 2019 and falling to Italy in the third playoffs in 2023-success in the competition continues to eliminate Oranje.
Koeman will focus on improving the defensive record of his side, as they only managed a clean leaf to the team’s stage, and scored seven goals – more than any other team at this stage of the tournament.
#NEDESP comes fast! 🌪* #NothingLikeoranje #Nationsleague pic.twitter.com/tikcks92a3
– Onsare (@onsoran) March 18 2025
However, their recent record against Spain offers some encouragement, with just three goals that acknowledged their last five meetings.
While France is currently a spot ahead of Spain in the world rankings, many believe that La Roja is Europe’s dominant power.
They keep both the titles of the championship and the European Championship, winning the Euro 2024 for a fourth time last summer.
Since he took over as a coach in December 2022, Luis de la Fuente led Spain to 23 wins, three draws and only two losses.
Spain easily overcame their league team, securing 16 points from one possible 18 and ending eight points in front of second place in Denmark.
Although La Roja is in a victory with five matches in the competition, they face the Netherlands who have not won 90 minutes since the 1-0 European qualifying victory in Seville in February 1983.
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 List of groups for the #Uefanationsleague Tectonic Games.
The Spanish national team is expected to treat the Netherlands in a double header on March 20 and 23, 2025.
ℹ* https://t.co/kswotfs1Oe# Maspñana pic.twitter.com/38m4zsnago
– Spanish football (@Spainisfootball) March 14 2025
News team for the Netherlands against Spain
Koeman’s team has suffered multiple injuries, with Denzel Dumfries and Jerdy Schouten withdrawing due to injuries.
Nathan Ake, Stefan de Vrij and Devyne Rensch are also unacceptable, while several players – such as Micky Van de Ven, Joshua Zirkzee, Wout Weghorst, Marten de Roon and Quinten Timber – stayed outside the team.
Uncapped Ajax Defender Youri Baas and Midfielder Mats Wieffer have been drafted as replacements.
Frenkie de Jong, named in the team, remains a little doubt, having missed Barcelona’s recent 4-2 victory over Atletico Madrid due to illness.
Spain has also seen changes to their team, with Inigo Martinez, Marc Casado and Bryan Zaragoza excluded from injury.
Their absences have opened the door to the flawless Bournemouth Dean Huijsen and Bayer Leverkusen Midfielder Aleix Garcia to invite.
Real Madrid, Raul Asencio, received his first upper call and could make his debut.
In just 17 years, Lamine Yamal in Barcelona is going to win its 18th upper ceiling for Spain on the right wing.
The start of a beautiful day! ☀*#NothingLikeoranje #Nationsleague pic.twitter.com/AXT9OKSWLC
– Onsare (@onsoran) March 18 2025
Expected lines for the Netherlands by Spain
Netherlands: Verbruggen? Frimpong, De Ligt, Van Dijk, J. Timber. Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders. Simons, Brobbey, Gakpo
Spain: Simon? Porro, Cubsi, The Norman, Knowledge. Ruiz, Zubimendi, Pedri. Yamal, Morata, Williams
