Spanish Vs. Netherlands Prediction: La Roja Ready To Get Rid Of Oranje For Semifinal Nations League Tickets!

Mikel Merino, saved Spain's face in the first relief (photo: marca)

JAKARTA Spain and the Netherlands will again fight in the second leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals on Sunday night, March 23. This match became decisive after the first meeting in Rotterdam ended in a 2-2 draw in a fierce match.

In the first match, Oranje was left behind before turning things around to 2-1, but Spain managed to equalize the score through Mikel Merino's late goal. With a standing position that is still balanced, the duel in Madrid is predicted to be tight.

Spain started the first leg well after Nico Williams scored a quick goal in the 9th minute, but the Netherlands responded with goals from Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders to turn 2-1 up.

Despite experiencing difficulties in the second half, La Roja finally equalized after Merino took advantage of goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen's mistake, ensuring a draw that kept Spain's chances open.

Luis de la Fuente's troops previously recorded six consecutive wins before being held to a draw by the Netherlands. The last time Spain lost a competitive match was in March 2023, when they fell 0-2 from Scotland.

As defending champions of the Nations League, Spain wants to defend their title. The winner of this match will face France or Croatia in the semifinals in June.

Spain have not lost to the Netherlands since the 2010 World Cup, although their last two meetings ended in a draw, including in a friendly in November 2020.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands actually appeared comfortable after winning 2-1 in the first leg. However, the red card that Jorrel Hato received in the 81st minute made them lose control of the game, which Spain finally used to score the equalizer.

However, Ronald Koeman was able to take on many positive sides of his team's performance. Since Euro 2024, the Netherlands have only lost once in their last seven matches.

The Netherlands impressed at Euro 2024, reaching the semifinals before being defeated by England. They also finished runners-up in the Nations League group under Germany, collecting nine points from six matches.

The Oranje team was once a finalist for the 2018-19 Nations League, lost 1-0 to France, and finished fourth in the 2022-23 edition after losing to Croatia in the semifinals and Italy in the race for third place.

With their talented squad, the Netherlands has ambitions to show that they are back as serious competitors in international competitions.

Spain lost Pau Cubarsi, who was injured and has been withdrawn from the squad. Instead, Dean Huijsen is likely to get the chance to make his debut as a starter in the back line.

Although Mikel Merino and Dani Olmo appeared impressive as substitutes in the first leg, both are expected to continue the match from the bench. Alvaro Morata is still the first choice in attack.

In the Dutch camp, Jorrel Hato had to be absent due to a red card, while Jurrien Timber could not appear due to illness.

Coach Ronald Koeman is likely to shift Jeremie Frimpong to right-back position, while Lutsharel Geertruida is transferred to the left-back to fill the void at the back.

In attack, Xavi Simons has the opportunity to appear as a starter on the right wing, while Memphis Depay remains trusted to lead the front line, supported by Justin Kluiver and Cody Gakpo.

This match is predicted to be fierce, with both teams having equal chances of qualifying for the semifinals. Will Spain maintain their status as defending champions, or will the Netherlands advance with a surprise?

Estimates of the composition of the Spanish Players (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Robin Le Normand, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Pedri, Martin Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Alvaro Morata, Nico Williams.

Netherlands (4-2-3-1):Bart Verbruggen; Jeremie Frimpong, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Lutsharel Geertruida; Tijjani Reijnders, Frenkie de Jong; Xavi Simons, Justin Kluivert, Cody Gakpo; Memphis Depay.