Netherlands vs. Croatia: preview and betting tips

The third Nations League, the third premiership winner, is now a certainty. The new competition for European national teams is coming to an end, with the Netherlands challenging the Croatians in the first semi-final. What to expect from the match and what to bet on?

The Netherlands have made up for their loss in the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar by qualifying for the play-offs. In any case, the Netherlands did not make an ideal start to the European Championship qualification, besides the expected win over Gibraltar, they lost in France in a shameful 0:4.

Croatia is a bit happier, after a home draw with Wales they managed to beat the Turks away and have a good group. There is no need to elaborate on Qatar’s response, the bronze medal was logically a great success.

Key figures of the Netherlands

The Tulips rely on the productivity of Donyell Malen, the Dortmund sniper netted ten goals and assisted eight times. Xavi Simons became the Eredivisie’s top scorer at the age of 20, assisting 12 more in addition to his 22 goals.

Croatia’s key figures

Luka Modric is not finished with his national team career after his second World Cup medal either, the Croatian midfielder has struck six times and assisted six times in Real Madrid colours this season. The mainstay of the defensive line is Leipzig stopper Joško Gvardiol.

The Netherlands are extremely strong at home, having not lost in 13 games, the last time being back in October 2020.

The Croatians, on the other hand, are stumbling away. Counting the regular season, they have won only three of their last eight matches away from home. At the same time, they have scored more than once in only two of their last seven games.

Given the Tulips’ home form, Simons’ individual performances in the spring, and the Croatians’ shooting woes, I think the Dutch will advance in front of their home fans.

Source: UEFA