Netherlands vs Croatia: Football Prediction & Betting Tips. Europe – UEFA Nations League
The UEFA Nations League is set to witness a thrilling semi-final as the Netherlands lock horns with Croatia on June 14, 2023. The match, taking place at De Kulp in Rotterdam, is a high-stakes game with the winner advancing to the final against either Spain or Italy.
A Battle of Resilience and Strategy
The Netherlands, having previously lost the inaugural Nations League final, are eager to claim the title this time around, especially as they are the hosts. Their journey to the semi-finals was marked by a convincing victory over Belgium, both home and away, including a remarkable 4-1 triumph on Belgian soil. This victory was a testament to the Dutch team’s resurgence after a challenging decade marked by failures to qualify for major tournaments.
Croatia, on the other hand, defied expectations by topping their group, which included defending champions France and Denmark. Their impressive form continued into the 2022 World Cup, where they secured a third-place finish, the second-highest by a European country. Despite their World Cup success, they have yet to replicate this in European competitions, a narrative they hope to change in the Nations League finals.
Form Analysis and Key Points
The Netherlands have lost only one of their last 22 matches, a 4-0 defeat to France in a Euro 2024 qualifier. However, they bounced back with a 3-0 victory over Gibraltar. Croatia, meanwhile, have only suffered one defeat in their last 15 matches, a loss to Argentina in the World Cup.
Interestingly, seven of Croatia’s last ten internationals and the last two Nations League games played by the Netherlands have seen under 2.5 goals scored. This suggests that the upcoming match could be a tight contest with fewer goals.
Squad Analysis and Predicted Lineups
The Netherlands will be without Memphis Depay due to a calf injury, while Daley Blind and Tijiana Reijnders have been left out of the final squad. Cody Gapko, however, is fit and expected to shine. Croatia will miss centre-back Josko Gvardiol and striker Marko Livaja due to injuries. They will be banking on Andrej Kramaric and Ivan Perisic, who is one goal away from becoming Croatia’s second-highest scorer.
Conclusion
The UEFA Nations League semi-final between the Netherlands and Croatia promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have shown resilience and strategic prowess throughout the tournament. With the Netherlands’ home advantage and Croatia’s impressive form, the match could go either way.
However, considering the recent form and statistical analysis, a bet on under 2.5 goals being scored seems like a safe prediction. This match is not just about the winner; it’s about the spirit of the game, the thrill of the contest, and the glory of football.
Ready to place your bet? Check out the best bookmakers for sports betting.