Two European giants reignite their rivalry on Tuesday as the Netherlands host Germany at the Johan Cruijff Arena in their second UEFA Nations League encounter.
Both teams opened their campaigns with emphatic victories at the weekend, positioning this match as a battle for the top spot in Group A3.
Germany and the Netherlands played a friendly match earlier this year (in March), and the Germans claimed a 2-1 victory in Frankfurt thanks to Niclas Fullkrug's late winner.
Ronald Koeman's side claimed a 5-2 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in their first official match following the dramatic Euro 2024 semi-final defeat to England. However, it's worth mentioning that the result was 3-2 until substitute Wout Weghorst scored the fourth goal in the final minutes, and Xavi Simons added the fifth in extra time.
After a dominant display against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Netherlands looks to build momentum in pursuing Nations League glory. Still haunted by their Euro 2024 semi-final exit, the Oranje aim to claim long-awaited silverware.
Historically, the Netherlands has come close but fallen short in major tournaments, losing in the 2019 Nations League final and finishing fourth in 2023. A victory over Germany here would strengthen their position for the new quarter-final stage of the UEFA Nations League.
The Netherlands remain dangerous in attack, despite some notable absences, including Memphis Depay, and a rich footballing history with Germany - tracing back to the 1974 World Cup final and Euro 1988 success - adds to the anticipation.
It remains to be seen whether Koeman will opt for the same starting XI against Germany or the Dutch boss will rotate the side. Koeman will likely stick to a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on fluid movement and aggressive pressing. Zirkzee is tipped to retain his spot up front, with support from Cody Gakpo and Xavi Simons, while Tijjani Reijnders controls the tempo in midfield.
Joshua Zirkzee scored his maiden international goal in his first-ever start for the Netherlands. The new Manchester United forward opened the scoring to inspire Oranje's 5-2 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday night.
Ryan Gravenberch's impressive progress under Arne Slot's guidance at Liverpool should likely influence his decision to keep his spot in the middle alongside Reijnders and Jerdy Schouten.
We have already witnessed a new era for German football under Julian Nagelsmann's guidance. Nagelsmann's side dispatched Hungary in the first group round, winning 5-0 in Dusseldorf on Saturday.
After a disappointing home Euro 2024 campaign, Germany is rejuvenating its squad, with Joshua Kimmich now wearing the captain's armband. Florian Wirtz, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Kai Havertz, and Jamal Musiala are some of the prominent figures leading a new wave of talent. At the same time, veteran players such as goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Toni Kroos have retired after the Euros.
A fluid style complements Germany's attacking depth under Nagelsmann, although defensive concerns remain.
With star players like Leroy Sané sidelined, Nagelsmann will be eager to see consistency from Pavlovic, Musiala, Havertz, Niclas Fullkrug, who boasts 14 goals in 22 international appearances, and Wirtz, who have all scored against Hungary. Yet, their potent attack must overcome a solid Dutch team to secure a favorable result.
This clash is expected to be tightly contested, with both teams having the firepower to score. Given their home advantage, the Netherlands may hold a slight edge, but Germany's attacking quality can cause severe problems for the Dutch defense.
In fact, their defenses are questionable, so fans can expect a thrilling encounter in Amsterdam. Goals seem inevitable in this exciting showdown between two strongest sides in European football.
