Netherlands vs Croatia

De Kuip is the venue as the Netherlands and Croatia battle it out for a place in the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League final.

The Netherlands’ second appearance in the Nations League finals following a 1-0 loss to Portugal in the 2018/19 grand final gives them a perfect alternate route into next summer’s European Championship. Led by Louis van Gaal, the ‘Oranje’ enjoyed a flawless Group A/4 campaign, finishing top of the section ahead of Belgium, Poland, and Wales with five wins and a draw. But it’s now up to new boss Ronald Koeman to become the first manager to lead the Netherlands to cup glory since the famous Euro 1988 triumph. The hosts bounced back from an embarrassing 4-0 defeat to France at the start of 20223 with a routine 3-0 victory over sub-par Gibraltar last time out, yet this could prove a formidable task. Playing at De Kuip should boost their chances, as they’ve won eight out of nine competitive home outings since the end of 2020 (D1).

Meanwhile, Croatia’s perfectly balanced two-game record against the Netherlands (W1, L1) means this encounter could go either way, though the visitors’ recent form suggests they can come out on top. After beating Morocco 2-1 to win the bronze medal at the Qatar World Cup, Zlatko Dalic’s men have gone unbeaten in both internationals in 2023 (W1, D1), drawing first blood within the opening 30 minutes of play on both occasions. Despite starting their Nations League campaign with a loss, the Croats bounced back by winning four of their next five group-stage matches (D1) to progress as Group A/1 winners ahead of France, Austria, and Denmark. With Croatia never drawing an away Nations League fixture (W3, L5), 90 minutes could prove enough to settle this affair. The ‘Blazers’ must be confident about running out victors, considering those three wins have come on their last three travels.