Netherlands vs Croatia Preview, Odds, Predictions (June 14)
Initial Thoughts
Does anyone really care about the Nations League? Well these two sides certainly do! Croatia seeks a third major final in five years while the Dutch - and new manager Ronald Koeman - look to capitalize on a six game unbeaten run in the competition.
The Narrative
After years at the pinnacle of international football, this summer’s Nation’s League might well be the last chance and ‘last dance’ for Croatia’s golden generation.
Zlatko Dalić’s side were runner’s up at the 2018 World Cup and finished in 3rd in the winter World Cup last year. Their semi-final defeat to Argentina in Qatar was Croatia’s first loss in 15 international fixtures, and Luka Modric and co will now hope to power past the Netherlands in tonight’s Nations League semi-final in Rotterdam.
Ex-Barca boss Ronald Koeman is enjoying his second stint as Holland head coach. Although ‘enjoying’ might be too strong a word after the Dutch were beaten 4-0 by France in his first game in charge back in March.
Holland bounced back with a 3-0 win over Gibraltar three days later. But that’s probably the least fans would expect against a side 196 places lower in the current FIFA rankings.
Nuts and Bolts
Both sides boast a host of global superstars and neither team is likely to be flustered by the pressure of a semi-final stage.
After reaching consecutive World Cup semis, the Croatians are no strangers to the rarified air of a major tournement’s penultimate fixture.
The Dutch were runner’s up in the inaugural Nation’s League back in 2018, but prior to that had not reached a major semi-final since 2004 EUROs where they lost out to 2-1 to CR7-inspired Portugal.
Both teams were eliminated by eventual winners Argentina in Qatar. But while Croatia were outclassed 3-0 in the semis and never looked like beating Messi and Co, the Netherlands almost pulled off the mother of all comebacks after going 2-0 down at the Lusail Stadium.
Manchester United’s Wout Weghorst scored two late equalizers, and after a goalless extra-time the Argentines needed a penalty shootout win to progress in the competition.
Those two showing against the reigning world champions suggests Holland are more than a match for this aging Croatia team, and Koeman will hope to mastermind a similarly gutsy performance in front of the Dutch fans this evening.
But Croatia are far more experienced in the latter stages of competitions in recent years. And for all their creative class, Dalić’s side knows how to play ugly and ground out a result when necessary.
Homestand Picks
All odds courtesy of Northstar Bets
Croatia are unbeaten in their last three matches against Morocco, Wales and Turkey, so these odds look way too high. This is also the last chance of silverware for a golden generation of players, and we’re backing Zlatko Dalić’s side to make their experience pay in Rotterdam tonight.
Luka Modric over 0.5 shots on target (+128)
The midfield maestro and captain is the beating heart of this Croatia side. In what’s likely to be a fast, counteracting game, expect Modric to get plenty of chances to line one up from the edge of the box.
.jpg)
