Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Netherlands

Bilino Polje forms the backdrop for a ‘David vs Goliath’ UEFA Nations League clash between Bosnia & Herzegovina and the Netherlands.

With nothing but pride left to play for amid a humiliating second League A appearance, Bosnia head into proceedings seeking amends for an embarrassing 7-0 defeat at Germany last week. Pinned to the bottom of Group A3 with a single point from five matches, Sergej Barbarez’s men are no longer in contention for a relegation playoff spot, with third-placed Hungary four points clear. They’ll unlikely bow out in style, considering that loss to Germany was their tenth in their last 11 internationals (D1), forming part of a larger, more ominous pattern. Indeed, the Bosnians are without a win across their two League A cycles (D3, L8). They’ll need to defy history to buck that trend, as they’ve failed to beat the Netherlands in all three previous H2Hs (D1, L2).

The visitors ran out 5-2 victors in September’s reverse fixture, but their overall performance in Group A3 has flattered to deceive. Indeed, the Dutch humbled Hungary 4-0 last time out to snap a disastrous three-game winless run (D2, L1) and secure a runner-up spot with a game to spare. Through to the Nations League playoffs for the third time in their four campaigns. Ronald Koeman’s charges will take this trip in a buoyant mood, seeking back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since the start of June. The abovementioned mauling of Hungary halted their dismal run of six internationals without a shutout. But it’s worth noting they’ve avoided conceding in just two of their last ten away Nations League outings.