A spot in the final of the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League is the prize when the Netherlands welcome Croatia to Rotterdam for Wednesday’s semi-final.
Netherlands vs Croatia
UEFA Nations League Semi-final
Wednesday 14 June – 20:45
De Kuip Stadium
The Netherlands have yet to taste victory in the newly minted UEFA Nationals League. The Dutch, however, have had a great undefeated run this campaign with two wins over Belgium and Wales, as well as a draw and win over Poland.
The World Cup defeat to Netherlands did derail the momentum that Louis Van Gaal had gathered. After that loss, they had a tough 4-0 defeat to France in the UEFA European Championship qualifiers. The most recent victory for the Netherlands was a 3-0 win in a qualifier against lesser side, Gibraltar.
The Dutch resurgence has been eye-catching, boasting everything we have come to know from the nation throughout history – great technical ability coupled with a unique understanding of the game, but still being able to bring the flare that fans can be in awe of.
🏥 Memphis Depay has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad for the UEFA Nations League finals due to injury.
— HF (@hfworld_) June 6, 2023
The duo of Daley Blind and Tijjani Reijnders have also been removed from the final squad by Ronald Koeman. pic.twitter.com/8kYMDDz9eF
To Win Match
Netherlands 1/1 | Draw 2/1 | Croatia 26/10
🇭🇷ℹ️ Joško Gvardiol is unable to take part in the UEFA Nations League Final Four due to an ongoing groin problem and will depart from the Croatia national team setup early.
— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) June 11, 2023
Speedy recovery, Joško! 🍀 pic.twitter.com/f3cfr8RH0f
Croatia has built a great team that has constantly competed till the top three of competition in recent campaigns. This UEFA Nations League could be their last shot at lifting a trophy.
Croatia faced just two defeats in the year 2022 across all competitions, and one of them being at the hands of eventual World Cup winners Argentina. The bronze medal victory broke the hearts of many Africans, but also reiterated the rigid mindset that Croatia has as a football nation – always fighting till the bitter end. They have since drawn 1-1 against Wales and won 2-0 against Turkey in the European Championship qualifiers.
Croatia is a well-organized team that stick to the structure no matter the circumstance. They will bide their time and take the one or two opportunities they crest with both hands.
Verdict: Draw (2/1)
Netherlands is a young team with sprinkles of maturity across the park, and the energy they bring to the game will be tangible, but the experience of Croatia and defensive tactics they impose could prove frustrating for the youngsters. I’m backing a full-time draw.
