Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Getting their Nations League quarter-final showdown underway on Thursday night, Spain will travel to Rotterdam when they meet the Netherlands.
Netherlands
Starting with the hosts, while the Netherlands might have dragged themselves to a quarter-final ticket last year, it is fair to say that Ronald Koeamn’s men limped their way over the finishing line. Signing off their group stage campaign with a 1-1 stalemate away at Bosnia & Herzegovina, the former Barcelona boss is desperately seeking some crucial stability. Suffering major EURO 24 heartbreak last summer as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss at the hands of England, Holland have won just a pair of their previous seven competitive victories from any of their previous seven appearances across all competitions. It should also be highlighted, the Netherlands also put just a single point on the board from any of their six group stage showdowns last year.
Netherlands Team News
Dealing with a real injury nightmare this season, Tottenham star Micky van de Ven has not been included in Holland’s squad this month. However, enjoying what has been a sensational campaign with Premier League high-flyers Bournemouth and already registering 12 top-flight strikes, Justin Kluivert could earn a fourth international cap here.
Although there might have been much speculation over his international future following Holland’s EURO 24 exit last summer, Memphis Depay has been called up by Koeman. Cementing his spot as the Netherland’s number one choice, Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen will start between the sticks.
Spain
As for the visitors, making real history last summer as they stormed their way to a fourth European crown, Spain are enjoying what has been a history-making flurry. Mustering 16 points from their six group stage appearances last year, La Roja have continued to receive a string of plaudits from across the continent. In fact, signing off their League A campaign with an action-packed 3-2 victory at home against Switzerland, Luis de la Fuente saw his high-flying squad win each of their final five group stage showdowns by an aggregate score of 13-4. Likewise, winning all of their seven EURO 24 appearances over in Germany last year and not suffering a single competitive defeat since March 2023, Spain have also gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third.
Spain Team News
In what has a shock omission last week, Barcelona midfielder Gavi has not been included in Spain’s squad and will not feature this month. However, enjoying what has been a sensational breakout campaign with Spanish giants Real Madrid this season, Raul Asencio looks set to earn a first senior international cap.
Despite enjoying a remarkable start to life with Premier League outfit Aston Villa, Marco Asencio has not been rewarded with a spot in de la Fuente’s squad. Returning from a muscle injury earlier in the month, Galatasaray marksman Alvaro Morata will lead out La Roja in Rotterdam.
Netherlands vs Spain Key Factors to Consider
- Spain collected 16 points from their six Nations League group stage appearances last year.
- Likewise, the reigning European champions won all of their final five League A appearances by an aggregate score of 13-4.
- Continuing on from their EURO 24 exit last summer, the Netherlands have won just a pair of their previous seven appearances across all competitions.
- Holland could only muster a single clean sheet from their six Nations League group stage appearances.
- Seven of Spain’s last 10 matchups across all competitions has finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
Looking to defend their Nations League crown in 2025, Spain will travel over to Rotterdam on Thursday night looking to collect another heavyweight scalp. Winning all of their final five League A appearances last year by an aggregate score of 13-4, neutrals will be hoping for another thriller in midweek. Along with gaining a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third, the reigning European champions also tend to produce plenty of fireworks when they take the field. It should be highlighted, with La Roja seeing seven of their previous 10 matchups across all formats finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome here.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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