While Europe’s elite might have only just closed shop for the summer break, the Nations League makes its return on Wednesday night as the semi-finals get underway.
With all eyes falling on Rotterdam in midweek, Croatia will be looking to make another statement on the international stage as the World Cup bronze medalists travel to the Netherlands.
Two European heavyweights who punched their World Cup knockout stage tickets over the summer, a major piece of international silverware is hanging in the balance this month.
With the final four all stealing the midweek headlines, we are also treated to a host of interesting betting markets.
So, for those of you looking to place a Wednesday Nations League flutter, we have created your ultimate Netherlands vs Croatia bet builder special.
Simons to steal the show in Rotterdam
Unable to call upon the injured Memphis Depay this month, it appears that the European giants will be calling on their blossoming superstars to spearhead their Nations League charge on Wednesday night.
Enjoying what was a remarkable campaign with Dutch heavyweight PSV this season and notching 19 strikes in his 34 Eredivisie appearances, it is no secret that Xavi Simons is attracting a string of interest this summer.
Signing off his domestic romp with a brace as PSV claimed a 2-1 win away at AZ Alkmaar on May 28th, the 20-year-old also recorded six goals after returning from March’s international break.
Set to earn a fourth international cap in Rotterdam and make a first Nations League appearance here, it is worth highlighting that the one-time Barcelona starlet averaged 1.2 shots on target per Eredivisie outing this season.
Although Simons might still be waiting to bag a maiden international goal, Europe’s budding midfield star will be looking to test a Croatia defence that have recorded just a single clean sheet from their previous six outings.
Bet Builder Tip: Xavi Simons to have over 0.5 shots on target @ 20/21 with Olympusbet
Kramaric to spearhead Croatia’s charge
With former striking icon Mario Mandzukic announcing his retirement from the international stage two years ago, it is no secret that Croatia have been looking for a new permanent replacement for the ex-Juventus ace.
However, while Andrej Kramaric might have bagged just a single World Cup strike as the Blazers clinched their famous bronze medal finish in Qatar over the winter, the Hoffenheim marksman has enjoyed an eye-catching flurry in 2023.
Including a brace against Union Berlin on May 20th in Hoffenheim’s penultimate Bundesliga appearance of the season, the 31-year-old notched eight strikes in his final 11 contests for club and country.
Once again likely to get the nod and spearhead Dalic’s charge in Rotterdam, the one-time Leicester misfit has also played a crucial role in Croatia’s Nations League romp last year.
With no player in Croatia’s squad mustering more than Kramaric’s seven Nations League efforts in 2022, it should also be highlighted that Hoffenheim’s attacking talisman averaged a shot on target in each of his final four Bundesliga appearances this year.
Bet Builder Tip: Andrej Kramaric to have over 0.5 shots on target @ 8/11 with Dachbet
Brozovic’s Nations League disciplinary issues
Suffering Champions League heartbreak at the hands of Manchester City out in Turkey over the weekend, Marcelo Brozovic doesn’t have much time to feel sorry for himself as the 30-year-old jumps straight back into Nations League action here.
While Inter Milan’s midfield ace might remain a key part of Croatia’s plans, Brozovic is well-known to officials from across Europe and has continued to walk a disciplinary tightrope while on international duties.
In fact, giving away 13 Nations League fouls in just his six appearances – six more than any other player in Dalic’s squad – the former Dinamo Zagreb star is renowned for his gritty approach in the middle of the park.
With only Argentina and Morocco committing more fouls during the 2022 World Cup finals, Brozovic is the chief disrupter in Dalic’s midfield.
Likewise, one of just two midfield players in Croatia’s squad who were shown a Nations League yellow card prior to the festive interval, Brozovic could be set for another lively night Holland.
Bet Builder Tip: Marcelo Brozovic to be shown a card at anytime @ 21/10 with Luckster
Netherlands vs Croatia Nations League Bet Builder
- Xavi Simons to have over 0.5 shots on target @ 20/21
- Andrej Kramaric to have over 0.5 shots on target @ 8/11
- Marcelo Brozovic to be shown a card at anytime @ 21/10
Place a £10 bet on our Nations League Bet Builder Special with Vegas Land and pocket £104.41 if all predictions are correct.
You can also visit our betting promotions section for the latest enhanced odds promos, accumulator bonuses and more.
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