Germany v Netherlands – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Germany faces the NetherlandsNagelsmann’s team has accumulated seven points so far, having drawn 2-2 with the Dutch in September. Ronald Koeman’s side managed only a 0-0 draw against Hungary last Friday after Virgil van Dijk was sent off.

Germany Form

Germany has lost just once in their last 12 matches under Julian Nagelsmann. The Euros began with a 5-1 win over Scotland and a 2-0 victory over Hungary. A 1-1 draw with Switzerland secured the top spot in their group. Germany needed VAR assistance to edge past Denmark 2-0 in the round of 16.

Their tournament run ended with a 2-1 loss to Spain in the quarter-finals after extra time. The UEFA Nations League campaign started with a resounding 5-0 home win over Hungary, with five different scorers. This was followed by a 2-2 away draw against the Netherlands. On Friday, they secured a 2-1 away win at Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Germany Team News

Antonio Rüdiger is back in the squad after missing September’s matches. Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Müller, and Ilkay Gündoğan have all retired from international duty. Marc-André ter Stegen is injured, so Alexander Nübel will earn just his second cap as goalkeeper.

Tim Kleindienst made his debut up front at the age of 29 in the last match and is expected to lead the line again, supported by the in-form Denis Undav. Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz were both called up but withdrew due to injuries.

Germany Motivation

Coach Julian Nagelsmann is determined to win the Nations League and will aim for three points in this match.

He has a younger squad, but also includes some older, less experienced players at the international level. Expect their usual style of play, but with a more direct, crossing approach due to Musiala’s absence.

Netherlands Form

The Netherlands won six of their seven matches leading up to Euro 2024. They began the tournament with a 2-1 win over Poland and a fortunate 0-0 draw against France. A 3-2 loss to Austria in their final group match was followed by a 3-0 victory over Romania in the round of 16.

After a 2-1 win over Turkey, they were knocked out in the semi-finals after a 2-1 defeat to England. The Nations League campaign began with a 5-1 thrashing of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They then drew 2-2 at home against Germany and followed that with a 1-1 away draw against Hungary. Despite 74% possession and 16 shots, they couldn’t secure the win in Budapest.

Netherlands Team News

The Dutch will be without the suspended Virgil van Dijk for this match. Matthijs de Ligt is expected to take his place in defense, likely preferred over Micky van de Ven. Nathan Aké and Jurriën Timber are both sidelined with injuries.

Teun Koopmeiners and Joey Veerman are also out injured in midfield, while Georginio Wijnaldum, Ian Maatsen, and Steven Bergwijn were not selected. Wout Weghorst was left out as well.

Netherlands Motivation

Koeman’s side typically plays on the front foot but lacks cohesion. A draw in Germany would be considered a great result for them.

Their focus will be on not losing to their cross-border rivals.

Key Stats

The Netherlands have lost 2 of their last 7 matches (1 win in their last 4).

The last 7 meetings between these nations have produced 26 goals.

Germany has lost just 1 of their last 12 matches.

Germany has scored 2+ goals in 7 of their last 9 matches.

Germany’s Denis Undav has scored 3 goals in his last 2 international matches.

Verdict

An exciting match is expected, as these nations tend to produce goals when they face off. I’m predicting a high-scoring game, with Germany beating a Dutch side missing Van Dijk.