The final of the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League is on the line as the Netherlands play host to Croatia in the semi-final showdown in Rotterdam on Wednesday. The Dutch side sailed smoothly into the final four with a remarkable performance in League A Group 4, outclassing their opponents. Meanwhile, Croatia snatched victory from defending champions France in League A Group 1.
Before their relatively unimpressive World Cup campaign, the Netherlands showed a dominating performance in the UEFA Nations League, securing 16 out of a possible 18 points in matches against Belgium, Poland, and Wales. They showcased the best performance in League A, both in terms of points and goal tally, under the guidance of coach Ronald Koeman. The only blemish in their campaign was a 2-2 home draw against Poland.
Even though France may soon lose their championship status, the 2022 World Cup silver medallists gave a stern reminder of their capabilities in March, overpowering the Netherlands 4-0 in the initial Euro 2024 Group B qualifying match. However, the Dutch bounced back with a convincing 3-0 win over Gibraltar, with Nathan Ake scoring twice and Memphis Depay netting the opener. Now, their focus is set on claiming their first Nations League trophy.
So far, on home turf in the Nations League, the Netherlands have suffered just one loss – a 1-0 defeat to Italy in 2020. Depending on their performance against Croatia, they may face Italy or Spain in the final.
For Croatia, the narrative of coming close but falling short has been a recurring theme. Despite this, they managed to secure the top spot in League A Group 1 of the Nations League, accumulating 13 points from six games against France, Denmark, and Austria. This achievement marked their maiden entry into the finals. After a disappointing 3-0 loss to Austria in the opening game, Zlatko Dalic’s team bounced back to an unbeaten five-match streak, conceding just two goals.
Three months ago, Croatia secured a 2-0 win over Turkey following a 1-1 draw with Wales. This result marked their first clean sheet since the World Cup group stage and their first Nations League away victory after five consecutive losses.
The upcoming game will be the third encounter between the Netherlands and Croatia. Their previous meetings saw Croatia securing a win in the 1998 World Cup third-place playoff and the Dutch avenging the loss with a 3-0 victory in a 2008 friendly.
However, the Netherlands’ preparations have been hampered by injury troubles. Memphis Depay, a key player, is out with a calf injury, and Koeman has also cut Tijjani Reijnders and Daley Blind from his squad. Ryan Gravenberch, Steven Berghuis, Stefan de Vrij, and Jeremie Frimpong will also miss the match.
Croatia too is grappling with injury issues, with centre-back Josko Gvardiol missing out due to a groin injury. Additionally, striker Marko Livaja withdrew from the squad after an unfortunate incident during training. Andrej Kramaric is expected to lead the Croatian attack, with support from Ivan Perisic, who needs just one more goal to become Croatia’s second-highest scorer. Luka Modric, meanwhile, is set to earn his 165th cap for Croatia.
The Netherlands’ probable starting lineup: Bijlow; Dumfries, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Ake; De Roon, De Jong, Wijnaldum; Bergwijn, Gakpo, Simons.
Croatia’s probable starting lineup: Livakovic; Juranovic, Sutalo, Erlic, Sosa; Kovacic, Brozovic, Modric; Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic.