Netherlands vs Croatia Prediction, Preview Odds and Tips
by Srinithi | Updated Jun 14, 2023
Netherlands vs Croatia Prediction
The Netherlands boasts a talented squad with several exceptional players, but they have yet to translate their potential into winning a major trophy. Players like Memphis Depay and Frenkie de Jong have shown their capabilities and will be eager to make a significant impact in their upcoming match.
On the other hand, Croatia has consistently performed admirably despite being considered a smaller footballing nation. However, they are currently going through a transitional phase that requires careful management in the coming months.
In terms of current form, the Netherlands appears to have the upper hand and is considered the stronger team. With their talented roster and recent performances, they should be able to secure a victory in this game against Croatia. The prediction for this game is that the Netherlands will have a 3-1 win over Croatia.
Preview Odds and Tips
The upcoming match between the Netherlands and Croatia is expected to be closely contested, with little separating the two teams. However, the Netherlands' home advantage is likely to give them an edge in the game.
The Netherlands has been granted the opportunity to host the Nations League Finals, thanks to their successful performance in the tournament. The matches will be divided between Rotterdam and Enschede, providing the Dutch team with the familiarity of playing on their home turf and enjoying the support of the home crowd.
Securing a victory in this tournament and lifting the trophy would be a significant achievement for Ronald Koeman, who has returned for his second spell as the head coach of the Netherlands. After leaving his position to join Barcelona in 2020, Koeman has taken charge again following Louis van Gaal's retirement. The Netherlands displayed a strong performance in the previous World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Argentina in a penalty shootout.
In terms of recent encounters, the Netherlands suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to France in their first Euro 2024 qualifier but managed to bounce back with a 3-0 victory over Gibraltar. Croatia, on the other hand, started their qualification campaign with a 1-1 draw against Wales and a 2-0 win over Turkey. Both teams have had limited competitive action in recent months, and with the long and demanding season coming to an end, the Nations League Finals may not showcase an extravagant display of football.
Croatia is known for their resilience and ability to avoid defeat, as demonstrated in their come-from-behind victory against Brazil in the World Cup, eventually winning on penalties. Seven of their last ten matches have featured two goals or fewer, indicating their strong defensive approach. They will aim to make it difficult for the Dutch team to break them down and create scoring opportunities.
Considering the circumstances, it is unlikely that the match will result in a high-scoring affair at De Kuip. The absence of Memphis Depay, who is nursing a calf injury, will be felt by the Netherlands. However, the team still possesses talented players such as Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Matthijs de Ligt, and Frenkie de Jong, who can contribute to their offensive and defensive efforts.
With Depay out, Cody Gakpo is expected to play a central role in the Netherlands' attack. The Liverpool forward had an impressive debut half-season, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in the Premier League after his move from PSV. Gakpo's usual position at the club level is a central attacking role, and Koeman is likely to deploy him in that position against Croatia. With Josko Gvardiol, one of Croatia's key defenders ruled out, Gakpo could take advantage of the situation and make an impact in the game.
How to watch Netherlands vs Croatia?
The upcoming match between the Netherlands and Croatia will take place at De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam, Netherlands. De Kuip is one of the most iconic and historic stadiums in the country, known for its vibrant atmosphere and passionate supporters. The stadium has a seating capacity of around 51,000 and is the home ground of Feyenoord, one of the top clubs in Dutch football.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 18:45 UTC on Wednesday, 14th June 2023. This evening kickoff time allows fans to attend the game after work and creates an electric atmosphere under floodlights. The match will be broadcasted on Viaplay Sports 1, providing fans with the opportunity to watch the game live from the comfort of their homes.
Viaplay Sports 1 is a popular sports streaming platform that offers a wide range of live sporting events, including football matches. It provides comprehensive coverage, pre-match analysis, and post-match discussions, allowing viewers to stay updated with all the action and insights related to the game. The platform ensures that fans can enjoy the match from anywhere, providing convenience and accessibility to a broader audience.
As for the match itself, both teams will be eager to secure a victory and gain momentum in the Nations League Finals. The Netherlands will have the advantage of playing on home soil, which often boosts the morale of the players and creates a sense of familiarity. The crowd support will be heavily in favor of the Netherlands, adding an extra dimension of motivation for the team.
Croatia, on the other hand, will be aiming to overcome the challenges posed by the home advantage of the Netherlands. They have a resilient and determined squad that has consistently performed well in recent years, often exceeding expectations. The Croatian players will look to disrupt the Dutch game plan, relying on their defensive organization and tactical discipline to frustrate the home team.
With the match being held towards the end of the season, both teams may face physical and mental fatigue. However, the significance of the Nations League Finals will serve as a motivating factor for the players to give their best on the pitch.
Stats
Netherlands:
Croatia:
Netherlands vs Croatia Prediction-FAQ
The prediction for the match is a victory for the Netherlands with a scoreline of 3-1.
The Netherlands has been in impressive form, scoring in 33 out of their last 35 matches and losing only 2 of their last 22 matches.
In the last 4 matches, the Netherlands has seen the sum of goals scored being over 2.5, and in 3 of those matches, it has been over 3.5.
Croatia has shown resilience, not losing 23 of their last 25 matches. They have also scored in 5 of their last 6 matches.
The Netherlands has had a higher goal-scoring trend, while Croatia has seen the sum of goals in their matches mostly under 3.5.