Netherlands will battle Croatia this week in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League.
Netherlands Form GuideThe Netherlands have spent a long time attempting to get back to their glory days, and even improve upon them - but they always seem to get in their own way. Whether it be tactical deficiencies or a lack of team cohesion, they’re still searching for the right answer. Above all else, though, they’re still playing entertaining football, which is the bare minimum we should expect.
After getting past the United States in the round of 16 at the World Cup, a dramatic quarter-final with Argentina ended in penalty heartbreak for the Dutch. They went on to lose 4-0 to France in their Euro 2024 qualifying opener, before battering Gibraltar 3-0.
Croatia Form GuideCroatia serve as the little engine that could in international football. Every time we turn a corner, they seem to be doing something incredible, even when it doesn’t seem like it on the face of it. They have been living through a remarkable golden generation for years now and while it may slowly be coming to a close, they aren’t going to go down without a fight.
Two sensational penalty shootout wins over Japan and Brazil set Croatia up for another World Cup semi-final, which they subsequently lost 3-0 to Argentina. They did go on to beat Morocco in the third place play-off, before a 1-1 draw with Wales in the Euro qualifiers and a 2-0 triumph over Turkey.
Latest Team NewsDepay and de Ligt are both out of action here through injury, which could allow a few fringe players to really shine.
Gvardiol is out as a result of a groin injury but aside from that, Croatia have no fresh concerns within their camp.
Match PredictionAs much as we want to believe this Netherlands side has changed and will return to their magnificent ways, it just feels like experience is going to play a big role here. Their opponents have been to the big dance on more than one occasion in recent years and because of that, we’re backing a Croatia win.
