Spain and the Netherlands head into Sunday’s UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg in Valencia with everything to play for after a thrilling 2-2 draw in Rotterdam.
Kick-off is at 7:45 p.m. Moroccan time (GMT) and fans can catch the action live on BeIN Sports Arabic, BeIN Sports English, and L’Équipe.
Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time strike kept Spain alive after Jorrel Hato’s late red card left the Dutch vulnerable. The Netherlands have never lifted the Nations League trophy, coming closest in 2018/19 when they finished runners-up. Now, Ronald Koeman’s side are desperate to get their hands on the trophy.
Spain have injury concerns at the back. Pau Cubarsi limped off before half-time on Thursday, and while coach Luis de la Fuente hasn’t ruled him out, it would be a shock to see him in the starting 11. Dean Huijsen stepped in and could now make his full debut. Aside from Cubarsi, Spain have no other fitness worries.
Up front, not much is expected to change. Merino and Dani Olmo remain bench options, while captain Álvaro Morata will once again lead the attacking line.
Koeman faces a defensive headache. Hato’s suspension could force a reshuffle at the back, while Jurrien Timber is out with illness. Jeremie Frimpong is likely to drop into the right-back role, with Lutsharel Geertruida shifting to the left. Ian Maatsen has received a late call-up as cover.
Xavi Simons is pushing for a starting spot on the right flank, while Memphis Depay is expected to spearhead the frontline with both Justin Kluivert and Cody Gakpo behind him.
Frimpong was the star of the show in Rotterdam, tearing Spain apart with his blistering pace. He tormented Marc Cucurella before setting up Tijjani Reijnders for the first goal. The Bayer Leverkusen speedster tore through Spain’s defence, creating four chances, winning 10 duels, and completing seven dribbles.
But taking down Spain will be no easy task. De la Fuente’s men are unbeaten in 17 games and remain favourites to go through and list the Nations League crown.
Predicted Line-ups:
Spain: Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Cubarsi, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Van Dijk, De Ligt, van Hecke; Frimpong, Reijnders, De Jong; Geertruida; Gakpo, Kluivert, Memphis
Predicted Score:
Spain’s unbeaten run and squad depth give them the edge. They’ll dominate possession, while the Dutch rely on counters. Frimpong and Gakpo could cause trouble, but Spain’s firepower — Yamal, Williams, and Morata — should seal the win.
Spain 2-0 Netherlands.
