Netherlands vs Croatia Preview & Prediction | 2022-23 UEFA Nations League
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THE FACTS
When is Netherlands vs Croatia on and what time does it start? Netherlands vs Croatia will take place on Wednesday 14th June, 2023 – 19:45 (UK)
Where is Netherlands vs Croatia taking place? Netherlands vs Croatia will take place at Stadion Feijenoord in Rotterdam, Netherlands
Where can I get tickets for Netherlands vs Croatia? Ticket information for Netherlands vs Croatia can be found on each country’s national team website
What channel is Netherlands vs Croatia on in the UK? Premier Sports have the rights to televise UEFA Nations League matches in the UK so it is worth checking their schedule for Netherlands vs Croatia
Where can I stream Netherlands vs Croatia in the UK? If Netherlands vs Croatia is televised on Premier Sports, subscribers will be able to stream the match live on Premier Player
THE LOWDOWN
NETHERLANDS
Netherlands qualified for the 2022-23 Nations League semi-finals without losing over the course of their group stage campaign. No teams scored more goals across Groups A1, A2, A3 and A4 than the Dutch, who found the net 14 times, conceding just six times in the process. Following the 2022 FIFA World Cup, head coach Louis van Gaal has since retired with Ronald Koeman taking over for a second spell in charge and he has a chance to win the Nations League, going one better than his side did back in 2018-19 Nations League, when they were beaten in the final by Portugal.
It was a tough group that Netherlands got through to reach this stage, overcoming Belgium, Poland and Wales. A brace of victories against the Red Devils proved crucial to their progression, including a 1-4 triumph in Belgium. The most recent World Cup saw them exit in the quarter-final stage, losing on penalties to eventual winners Argentina, but victory here will give them the opportunity to lift their first international trophy since the 1988 European Championships.
CROATIA
Croatia topped a group which contained 2022 FIFA World Cup runners up France, which puts into perspective the impressive nature the feat of them reaching the semi-finals of the 2022-23 Nations League. The fact that they finish 8 points clear of ‘Les Bleus’ says it all about how well Zlatko Dalic’s side have played across the group stage, with them ultimately pipping Denmark to first-place in Group A1 by a single point, after accruing four wins, a draw and one defeat. The final round of fixtures saw Croatia hold their nerve, beating Austria 1-3 in Vienna to guarantee top spot.
Having said that, Croatia have been always been arguably the most underrated nation in world football for a significant period of time now, as proven by their magnificent last couple of World Cup campaigns. After losing in the final to France in 2018, Dalic’s men finished third-place in Qatar, knocking out Brazil on their way to the semi-finals. Now they are set to compete in the Nations League finals stage for the first time in their history.
THE TEAM NEWS
NETHERLANDS
Defender Nathan Ake has been named in Ronald Koeman’s squad despite starting in club side Man City’s Champions League triumph at the weekend, but with numerous defensive options available, it would be no surprise to see Ake afforded a rest with Tyrell Malacia starting at left-back. Another defender in Matthijs de Ligt misses out entirely through a calf-injury, which opens the door for someone to step in and partner Virgil van Dijk. Ronald Koeman may well opt for the vast experience of Daley Blind to fill that role.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Noppert; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Blind; Malacia; Wijnaldum, De Roon, De Jong; Bergwijn, Gakpo, Depay
UNAVAILABLE: De Ligt (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
CROATIA
The biggest news for Croatia on the injury front heading into these finals is that they will be without Josko Gvardiol. The RB Leipzig central defender has not been named in Zlatko Dalic’s squad for neither this game, nor the final/third-placed playoff due to an abdominal injury. The expectation is that Dinamo Zagreb’s Josip Sutalo will partner the versatile Domagoj Vida in defence as a consequence, although Bayern’s Josip Stanisic is also an option. The ageless Luka Modric will pull the strings in a midfield three likely to consist of himself, Mateo Kovacic and Champions League finalist Marcelo Brozovic, although the latter could yet start from the bench after starting for Inter Milan in Istanbul only this past Saturday.
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Livakovic; Juranovic, Sutalo, Vida, Sosa; Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic
UNAVAILABLE: Gvardiol (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE PREDICTION
A tight encounter is expected here between two teams who won’t prove easy to break down. Both conceded just six goals each across the group stage, only Spain managed to prevent less than that. Aside from their semi-final defeat at the hands of Argentina, no team scored past Croatia twice in a single fixture over the course of the 2022 World Cup whilst Netherlands, like their opponents only let one goal in during the group stage of that competition. In a match of high stakes, it would be no surprise to see the two nations prioritise defensive stability and backing under 2.5 goals scored over 90 minutes has to be favoured.
TIP: UNDER 2.5 GOALS
