March 19, 2025
2 Minute Read
Netherlands v Spain: Quarter-Final Preview & Betting Tips
The UEFA Nations League quarter-finals start this Thursday as the Netherlands host reigning champions Spain at De Kuip. With both sides missing key players and a place in the semi-finals on the line, this first leg promises to be a thrilling affair.
Match Preview: Netherlands v Spain
📅 Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
📍 Venue: De Kuip, Rotterdam
⏰ Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
Spain come into this clash as the team to beat. La Roja topped their Nations League group in dominant fashion, winning five of their six matches. Meanwhile, the Netherlands finished second in their group, struggling for consistency with just two wins in the league phase.
Recent Form & Head-to-Head Record
- The Netherlands have remained unbeaten against Spain in 4 matches over 90 minutes, with their only loss coming in extra time during the 2010 World Cup final.
- Spain are unbeaten in their last 16 matches, with 12 of these games seeing over 2.5 Goals.
- The Dutch have been strong at home in the Nations League, scoring 11 goals in their last three home games.
- Spain have won five in a row, including a 3-2 victory over Switzerland in their last match.
With both teams in good scoring form, this one has all the makings of a closely contested encounter that should see goals.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Netherlands
Ronald Koeman has several injury concerns heading into this match. Defenders Micky van de Ven, Stefan de Vrij, and Nathan Ake are all ruled out, while Denzel Dumfries has withdrawn from the squad. Midfielder Frenkie de Jong is carrying a knock and there could be a late call on his fitness.
🟠 Predicted XI: Verbruggen; Timber, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Frimpong; Gravenberch, De Jong, Simons; Reijnders, Gakpo, Brobbey
Spain
Spain will be without defensive anchor Rodri, while Aymeric Laporte and Dani Vivian are also sidelined. Manager Luis de la Fuente has called up Dean Huijsen, who has been in great form for Bournemouth this season.
🔴 Predicted XI: Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Ruiz, Zubimendi, Pedri; Yamal, Morata, N. Williams
Betting Tips & Predictions
🔹 Spain to win- 2.40 – La Roja have been in incredible form, winning five in a row and boasting an unbeaten streak in this competition.
🔹 Both Teams to Score- 1.74 – The Netherlands have been strong at home, while Spain scored 13 goals in the group stage.
🔹 Lamine Yamal to score anytime- 4.0 – The Barcelona youngster has been in electric form for club and country.
📊 Score Prediction: Netherlands 1-2 Spain
Final Thoughts
Both teams have key absences, but Spain’s form gives them the edge heading into this first leg. The Netherlands will need to produce something special to stop the defending champions from taking a lead into the return fixture.
Can Spain continue their dominance, or will the Dutch make home advantage count? All will be decided under the lights at De Kuip.
The odds are correct at the time of writing.
