The Netherlands and Hungary face off in a vital UEFA Nations League League A Group 3 match on Saturday, November 16, 2024. With the Johan Cruyff Arena as the venue, this will indeed prove a winner-takes-all game between the two teams that have five points apiece, thereby guaranteeing the winner a spot in the quarter-finals alongside an already qualified Germany.
Match Preview: Netherlands vs Hungary
The Netherlands launched into the Nations League with an emphatic 5-2 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina but have since stuttered. The team of coach Ronald Koeman lost 1-0 to Germany, which scored through Jamie Leweling; this marks their third successive game without a victory. Inconsistent results notwithstanding, the Dutch now lie second in Group 3 through goal difference, leading Hungary by only a slender margin. A win this Saturday will present them a place in the quarter-finals, while defeat could face them with the potential of a relegation to League B.
Hungary, meanwhile were thrashed 5-0 by Germany in their opening match, but have recovered well since. They drew 1-1 with the Netherlands in October and a fortnight later beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 led by Liverpool’s mercurial star Dominik Szoboszlai. With one win, two draws, and one loss, Hungary lie behind the Netherlands on goal difference but will still be within reach of a quarter-final place if they can win this.
Key Betting Stats and Insights
Netherlands Home Form: The Netherlands have only once failed to score in a Nations League home game, losing 1-0 to Italy in 2020.
The Fight of Hungary Away: Hungary has pulled off remarkable away wins in previous competitions, including beating England 4-0 and Germany 1-0 in 2022.
Head-to-Head Record: October’s 1-1 result ended a run of nine straight losses for Hungary against the Netherlands. However, Hungary hasn’t defeated the Dutch since 1984.
Team News
Netherlands
The Dutch defence is minus Micky van de Ven, Nathan Ake, Lutsharel Geertruida and Ian Maatsen. However, Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber is back in action. The midfield is likely to include Frenkie de Jong, who came off with a knock for Barcelona last week but has been passed OK by his national team. He could be joined by Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch, though RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons is absent after undergoing ankle surgery.
Hungary
Hungary will be without their experienced defender Attila Fiola, who is suspended. Marton Dardai is expected to come into the back three for him. Dominik Szoboszlai, now an integral part of both club and country with Hungary and Liverpool, plays in one of the two number 10 roles, another being Roland Sallai, while Barnabas Varga is likely to lead the line.
Predicted Lineups
Netherlands Starting XI:
Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Hato; De Jong, Gravenberch; Malen, Reijnders, Gakpo; Weghorst
Hungary Starting XI:
Dibusz; Dardai, Orban, Botka; Bolla, Nikitscher, Schafer, Kerkez; Sallai, Szoboszlai; Varga
Prediction
We predict a close-knit affair in which the Netherlands will take a slim lead of 1-0 into Hungary. This team does have a tendency to be dangerous against the run of play, but a more structured Netherlands at home should progress to the quarterfinals.
