When looking at a list of the strongest football teams, the Netherlands is in the top 6 list according to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking. The national team also known as ‘Oranje’ appears to be one of the stronger teams this time around, when the final stages of the UEFA Nations League are launched in June.
The Draw
This year, Croatia, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands are in the Nations League finals after having won their respective League A groups. The Netherlands started their group strong, having beaten Belgium 4-1 on away ground.
Taking on Wales and Poland afterwards, the Netherlands could finish League A unbeaten. In the form of the semi-finals, the match for third place, and the final match, we get to see who will take home the championship.
The knockout matches kick off with a match between Netherlands and Croatia followed by Spain vs Italy. The third-place match and final will be held on the 18th of June. The Netherlands is hosting the finals, and they will be held in stadiums in Rotterdam and Enschede.
Bet on Netherlands’ Chances of Winning
When looking at an overview of the best soccer betting sites, it is clear that the Dutch are among the favourites.
Although there aren’t match-based odds, the Netherlands are at odds +200 in terms of winning the tournament. Spain takes second, while Croatia is deemed as the underdog. Therefore, the first match against Croatia could favour the Netherlands.
As long as the Netherlands team keep their tactics with two fast strikers, a solid midfield, and a versatile squad of players who can interchange positions, it seems impossible to beat the Dutch.
Croatia and Netherlands have strong players, as Croatia’s captain Modrić still has it in him. Today, he is regarded as one of the best midfielders in football history.
However, he cannot carry the whole team, and the Dutch national team should have more players in good form.
The Player Squad
The way to the success of the Netherlands is highly built on the foundation of Virgil van Dijk’s play. As a centre-back, he always defends as if his life depends on it. With good strength and leadership, he has good technique, scores great headers, and is very fast for his height.
As Lionel Messi once said in an interview with Marca, he has good timing and is both great in defence and attack. Therefore, he will be one to watch in the Nations League.
But the rest of the squad showcases immense talent as well. With a strong core of Frankie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt, new talents like Gakpo and Jurriën Timber, Dumfries and de Vrij holding the fort, the Dutch roster is a strong one of its kind.
Previous Stats
If the Netherlands can take this one home, it will set the record straight as they will become one of the best teams worldwide. The Netherlands has been the runner-up three times in the World Cup. In 2019, they became the runner-up in the Nations League. If the Netherlands manages to take first place this time, it will turn around the disappointment of the 1-0 loss against Portugal in the Nations League final of 2019.
