The Nations League semi-finals get underway on Wednesday (19:45) when the Netherlands play host to an experienced Croatia outfit in Rotterdam.
Playing on their own patch ought to be of some aid to Ronald Koeman’s men, who were runners-up to Portugal in the inaugural Nations League in 2019 and will be eager to go one better.
- Netherlands to win
- Over 1.5 Netherlands goals
- Cody Gakpo to score at any time
Home Advantage For The Dutch
Portugal won the Nations League as hosts in 2019 and the Netherlands, if successful in this semi-final showdown with Croatia, will hope to repeat the feat as they play both of their matches at Stadion Feijenoord.
The absence of talismanic figure Memphis Depay means a rejig is required to the Oranje attack but in Steven Bergwijn, Cody Gakpo and Xavier Simons, Koeman has good alternatives available to him.
The Netherlands went through Group A4 unbeaten from their six matches, taking 16 points off Belgium, Poland and Wales.
It wasn’t to be for the Dutch at last year’s World Cup, as they exited at the quarter-final stage in a penalty shootout against Argentina.
However, that form looks stronger now given La Albiceleste went on to be crowned champions while the feeling is that Croatia reached the peak of their potential during their run to the World Cup semi-finals.
With Luka Modric now 37 and Ivan Perisic 34, this is an ageing squad that will be severely tested in defence without star centre-back Josko Gvardiol.
Dutch Could Make Hay With Gvardiol Sidelined
Croatia’s run to the last four of the World Cup was largely down to their defensive foundations, but Gvardiol, who alongside goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was voted to be in Fifa's official team of the tournament, is an injury absentee.
The Leipzig 21-year-old is one of the most highly-sought after defender’s in world football right now and his absence is a big blow to the Croats in an area that the Dutch can be confident of exploiting.
Even so, the Chequered Ones have kept only one clean sheet in their last six matches, conceding to Japan, Morocco and Wales among others.
The Netherlands, meanwhile, have scored at least twice in 14 of their last 18 internationals, suggesting they could do so again against a Croatia side that may find Gvardiol tough to replace.
Gakpo Set to Lead By Example
There is no doubt that Depay’s injury decreases the threat of the Dutch attack, but lively Liverpool forward Gakpo could thrive in the Atletico Madrid man’s absence.
Gapko scored seven times in 21 appearances in his debut season in the Premier League this term and has bagged six goals in just 15 caps for Oranje.
The 24-year-old scored three times from five starts at the World Cup, which helped push through his move to Liverpool, and he may profit from Depay being sidelined.
