Netherlands vs Spain

Feyenoord’s De Kuip forms the backdrop for a high-profile UEFA Nations League quarter-final tie between the Netherlands and Spain.

Seeking their first Nations League triumph after having had to settle for a silver medal in 2019 and a fourth-place finish in 2023, the Netherlands ought to take the field in high spirits. Ronald Koeman’s charges finished second to Germany in a competitive Group A3 (W2, D3, L1) after only winning once in the last five matches (D3, L1). Defensive frailties have plagued the Netherlands’ Nations League campaign as they’ve conceded seven times in six games – their worst defensive campaign in this competition. However, confidence stems from their dominant record against Spain in the 21st century (W3, D1, L1) and the fact their defense has only been breached three times during that sequence!

Meanwhile, Spain will try to become the first team in Nations League history to defend their title after beating Croatia on penalties in last cycle’s final. ‘La Furia Roja’ enjoyed a dream summer, conquering the Euro 2024 crown in emphatic fashion before pulling off a near-faultless Nations League group-stage campaign. After a tepid 0-0 draw against Serbia in their Group A4 opener, Lusi de la Fuente’s men have won five subsequent matches via an aggregate score of 13-4 to set up this quarter-final blockbuster. The Spaniards took this trip in formidable form, having lost just once in their last 25 competitive outings (W22, D2), including five consecutive victories in this tournament.