New Delhi: The Netherlands are set to host Germany on matchday 2 of the UEFA Nations League at the Johan Cruijff Arena tonight at 12:15 am. Both teams are coming into the game scoring five goals each against their opponents.
Oranje registered a comfortable 5-2 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the opening game. Joshua Zirkee, Xavi Simons, and Cody Gakpo were the stars for the home side. Tijjani Reijnders and Wout Weghorst conceded a goal in either half.
Five years ago, during Koeman’s first stint as manager, the Oranje defeated the Three Lions in the Nations League semi-finals before losing to Portugal in the championship match; more recently, they placed fourth when hosting the finals tournament in 2023.
They defeated Wales, Poland, and Belgium to advance that far, but this season, all that’s needed to qualify for the new Nations League quarterfinal round is a top-two finish.
Meanwhile, the visitors overcame Hungary 5-0 at home in their opening fixture. All five goals were scored by different players all making a mark. Nicolas Fullkrug opened the score line in the first half while Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Kia Havertz scored in the second half.
Die Mannschaft, who failed to win the Euros at the home tournament, intends to make their Nations League finals debut the following summer and then focus on the 2026 World Cup.
Both Netherlands and Hungary will be battling out for the top spot in League A Group 3.
Team News
Ronald Koeman has made a few big decisions this month as he left a few experienced players out of the team. The Oranje side is heading into the second Nations League fixture without any fresh injury concerns. Joshua Zirkzee will be expecting to start for the Netherlands side after scoring his first goal at the weekend.
Micky van de Ven and Joey Veernam pulled out because of injuries but Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber made his comeback in the last match as he came along with his brother to represent their country for the first time.
On the other hand, Germany continues their transition to a more youthful squad after the retirement of a few key players Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, IIkay Gundogen, and Toni Kross. Joshua Kimmich will wear the captain’s armband and will lead the side for the 10th time. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala will support either one or both Kai Havertz and Niclas Fulkrug in the front line. Fulkrug has scored 14 times in 22 international appearances.
Leroy Sane was not called up as he is still struggling with an injury while Jonathan Tah is expected to replace Antonio Rudiger and partner along with Nico Schlotterbeck in the defence.
Head-to-Head
Netherlands and Germany have crossed paths 46 times in all competitions. Germany have the upper hand with 17 wins while the Netherlands are not far behind with 12 wins and 17 games have ended in draws. In the Nations League, they have locked horns twice with both meetings coming in the 2018 inaugural edition.
In the last encounter, Die Mannschaft recorded a comeback 2-1 win early this year. Germany have won one of their eight away games in the Nations League. In the competition, they have drawn their last three away games.
The Netherlands are unbeaten in the Nations League group stage in their last 11 games and recorded eight wins. The last five meetings between the two sides have produced over 2.5 goals, Oranje holds one clean sheet while Die Mannschaft have won none.
Predicted lineup
Nehterlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Gravenberch, Reijnders; Simons, Gakpo; Zirkzee
Germany: Ter Stegen; Kimmich, Schlotterbeck, Tah, Mittelstadt; Andrich, Pavlovic; Musiala, Havertz, Wirtz; Fullkrug
When, where, and how to watch the Netherlands vs Germany match in India?
The Netherlands vs Germany UEFA Nations League 2024/25 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Nations League 2024 will be available on the SonyLIV app and website. Other matches scheduled for today include Czechia vs Ukraine, Andorra vs Malta, Hungary vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia vs Armenia. The action begins at 12:15 am IST tonight.
Match Prediction
Netherlands have bounced back strongly from their bitter loss in the UEFA Euro 2024 semifinal loss to England with a thumping 5-2 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina and will look to continue their momentum in the upcoming game.
Matthijs de Ligt was at fault for both goals against Bosnia and might get dropped to the bench this time. Meanwhile, Germany registered the biggest win in the Nations League first matchday and will look to build on the same form. Die Mannschaft are likely to field a similar starting XI for the upcoming clash. The encounter between Group 3’s top two will be an entertaining display with both teams possessing some bright attacking talent.
Final Scoreline: Netherlands 2-2 Germany
The Netherlands will lock horns with Germany in the UEFA Nations League at the Johan Cruijff Arena tonight. But before the action kicks off, let’s examine which team has the upper hand over the other. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
