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Match preview for Netherlands v Spain
Nations League title holders Spain are set to take on the Netherlands in the first leg of their quarter-final matchup at De Kuip in Rotterdam on Thursday night.
The winner of this two-legged tie will advance to the semi-finals in June, where they will meet either Croatia or France.
After being eliminated by England in the semi-finals of Euro 2024, the Netherlands finished second in their Nations League group last year, collecting nine points from six games.
Ronald Koeman’s men suffered a 1-0 defeat away to group winners Germany in October but closed out the group stage with a dominant 4-0 victory over Hungary and a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Despite twice coming close to lifting the Nations League trophy – finishing runners-up to Portugal in 2019 and falling to Italy in the third-place playoff in 2023 – success in the competition continues to elude the Oranje.
Koeman will be focused on improving his side’s defensive record, as they managed just one clean sheet in the group stage while conceding seven goals – more than any other team at this phase of the tournament.
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— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) March 18, 2025
However, their recent record against Spain offers some encouragement, with just three goals conceded across their last five encounters.
While France currently sit one spot ahead of Spain in the world rankings, many consider La Roja to be Europe’s dominant force.
They hold both the Nations League and European Championship titles, having won Euro 2024 for a record fourth time last summer.
Since taking over as head coach in December 2022, Luis de la Fuente has led Spain to 23 wins, three draws, and just two losses.
Spain topped their Nations League group comfortably, securing 16 points from a possible 18 and finishing eight points ahead of second-placed Denmark.
Although La Roja are on a five-match winning streak in the competition, they face a Netherlands side they have not defeated in 90 minutes since a 1-0 European qualifier victory in Seville back in February 1983.
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 | Squad list for the #UEFANationsLeague quarter-finals matches.
The Spanish national team are set to face the Netherlands in a double-header on 20 and 23 March 2025.
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— Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) March 14, 2025
Team news for Netherlands v Spain
Koeman’s squad have suffered multiple injury setbacks, with Denzel Dumfries and Jerdy Schouten withdrawing due to injuries.
Nathan Ake, Stefan de Vrij, and Devyne Rensch are also unavailable, while several players – such as Micky van de Ven, Joshua Zirkzee, Wout Weghorst, Marten de Roon, and Quinten Timber – were left out of the squad.
Uncapped Ajax defender Youri Baas and midfielder Mats Wieffer have been drafted in as replacements.
Frenkie de Jong, named in the squad, remains a slight doubt after missing Barcelona’s recent 4-2 victory over Atletico Madrid due to illness.
Spain have also seen changes to their squad, with Inigo Martinez, Marc Casado, and Bryan Zaragoza all ruled out through injury.
Their absences have opened the door for uncapped Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Aleix Garcia to be called up.
Real Madrid center-back Raul Asencio has received his first senior call-up and could make his debut.
At just 17 years old, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is set to earn his 18th senior cap for Spain on the right wing.
The start of a beautiful day! ☀️#NothingLikeOranje #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/AxT9okSwlC
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) March 18, 2025
Expected line-ups for Netherlands v Spain
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Frimpong, De Ligt, Van Dijk, J. Timber; Gravenberch, De Jong, Reijnders; Simons, Brobbey, Gakpo
Spain: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Le Normand, Cucurella; Ruiz, Zubimendi, Pedri; Yamal, Morata, Williams
The Stats for Netherlands v Spain
- In 16 of the last 18 Netherlands home matches the number of goals was over 2.5
- The Netherlands have won all of their last 7 matches in all competitions
- Spain have won 14 of the last 15 matches
- Spain have won 8 of the last 10 matches while scoring more than 1.5 goals
Prediction
Quarter-final first legs can often be tense, tactical battles, and this encounter between two European powerhouses is expected to be closely contested.
Although the Netherlands have been formidable at home, Spain’s form and quality may give them the slight edge, setting them up with a narrow first-leg advantage.
Prediction: Netherlands 0-1 Spain
