The first leg of the quarterfinal ended in a 2-2 draw.
Spain and the Netherlands will face off in the UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg on Sunday. Spain barely made it work as they ended the tie in a 2-2 draw in the dying moments of the match in Rotterdam. La Roja struck early in the first leg through Nico Williams.
However, the Netherlands responded by taking a lead over them with goals from Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders. Spain found the back of the net and their late equalizer in the 90+3rd minute through Mikel Merino after the Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made a mistake.
Spain had a six-game winning streak going which was broken with the last time. Even so, they are still unbeaten in competitive matches since March 2023. As the defending Nations League champions, they are determined to progress to the semis.
The Netherlands held control in that game till the 81st minute when Jorrel Hato was sent off. Ronald Koeman’s side has lost only once in their last seven matches. They will now look for redemption after finishing fourth in the previous edition of the Nations League. The winners from this clash will face either Croatia or France in the semis.
Spain Injury News
Defender Pau Cubarsi was forced off in the first leg, leaving Spain with no other injury concerns aside from him. However, he has withdrawn from Sunday’s fixture and returned to Barcelona. In the first leg, Dean Huijsen replaced the Barca youngster off the bench.
In this return leg, the coach could start Huijsen, handing him his full debut in central defense. Mikel Merino and Dani Olmo displayed strong performances as substitutes and are now pushing for starting roles. However, Luis de la Fuente may stick with his preferred lineup with Alvaro Morata leading the attack.
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Spain probable starting lineup:
Simon; Cucurella, Huijsen, Le Normand, Porro; Ruiz, Zubimendi, Pedri; N Williams, Morata, Yamal
Netherlands Injury News
Jorrel Hato saw the red card which saw the Netherlands concede the last goal and draw. As a result of the red card, Hato will miss the second leg. Ian Maatsen received a late call-up as his replacement, so he should start the match. Jurrien Timber is also unavailable because of an illness.
This will force a defensive reshuffle in the lineup. Jeremie Frimpong may move to the right-back while Lutsharel Geertruida may move to the left-back position. Xavi Simons could start on the right flank, supporting Memphis Depay, who should lead the attack again with Cody Gakpo and Justin Kluivert alongside him.
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Netherlands probable starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Geertruida, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Frimpong; De Jong, Reijnders; Gakpo, Kluivert, Simons; Memphis
Spain vs Netherlands Nations League Quarterfinals Betting Odds:
Odds via BetMGM.
Draw: +290
Under 2.5: +110
Draw: +290
Under 3.5: -225