Preview: Netherlands vs Germany – Prediction, team news, lineups

Two old enemies meet in the second game of their UEFA Nations League Campaigns on Tuesday, when the Netherlands Welcome Germany to the Johan Cruijff Arena.

Both teams scored five goals against their opponents on the first matchday and will now fight for the top spot in Group 3 of League A.

Game Preview

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With the ultimate goal of winning the Nations League and ending a decades-long wait for a trophy, the Netherlands began their latest endeavour on Saturday evening with a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Eindhoven.

Start at the front in the absence of Memphis DepayManchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee quickly scored his first international goal with a clever header, and despite the equalizer, the Oranje took the lead again when Tijjani Reijnders converted Zirkzee’s assist shortly before half-time.

In the second half Ronald Koeman's team scored three more goals – through Cody Gakpo, Wout Weghorst And Xavi Simons – when they won their first game since being eliminated from Euro 2024 5-2.

The Netherlands lost in the semi-finals this summer and were ultimately beaten by England, the same country they faced the last time they were so close to finally winning a trophy.

After beating the Three Lions in the first Nations League semi-final five years ago – during Koeman's first stint as coach – the Oranje lost to Portugal in the decider and finished fourth when they host the 2023 finals.

They beat Belgium, Poland and Wales to get this far, but only a top-two finish is needed to reach the new Nations League quarter-finals this season.

This lowers the stakes for the next encounter with Germany, a nation forever linked to the football history of both teams: Johan CruyffThe Dutch team lost the 1974 World Cup final, but during his playing days, Koeman's team beat the hosts and won the 1988 European Championship.

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While Germany came out on top with a 2-1 home win in the last friendly between the two nations in March, the Netherlands have been much more successful in competitive matches in recent years.

The teams scored 18 goals in four matches of the first Nations League and the European Championship qualification and Julian NagelsmannThe current squad scored five goals together with their old rivals on Saturday evening.

The newly formed Germany, which was missing several former regular players, defeated Hungary in Düsseldorf with Kai Havertz This made him the fifth different last-minute penalty scorer, having already hit the crossbar twice before.

After the defeat at the European Championships at home, the national team is aiming for its first Nations League finals next summer before preparing for the 2026 World Cup, where it hopes to regain the world championship title.

Since the success Hansi FlickNagelsmann has won eight of his first 14 games, and with Havertz leading an attack featuring stars like Jamal Musiala And Florian WirtzThe 37-year-old national coach hopes to take at least one point from Amsterdam.

Dutch Nations League form:

Dutch form (all competitions):

Germany Nations League Form:

Germany form (all competitions):

Team News

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Joshua Zirkzee scored his first goal for the Netherlands at the weekend and is expected to keep his place on Tuesday evening. Brian Brobbey and Wout Weghorst are also candidates for a starting eleven in attack – or Cody Gakpo could step in as a false nine.

In addition to the midfielders Martin de Roon And Georginio Wijnaldumplus experienced defender Daley BlindRonald Koeman has left out two regular strikers this month: He was involved in a public dispute over Steven Bergwijn's recent move to the Saudi Pro League, while star striker Memphis Depay is still looking for a new club.

Micky van de Ven And Joey Veerman cancelled due to injury, but Arsenal's Jurrien Timber made his comeback against Bosnia, when he and his brother Quinten Timber both came off the bench to represent their country together for the first time.

Meanwhile, Germany continues its transformation towards a younger squad: with Thomas Müller, Thomas Muller, Ilkay Gundogan And Toni Kroos no longer available, Julian Nagelsmann appointed Joshua Kimmich as captain.

Kimmich will captain his national team for the tenth time on Tuesday, and then an exciting four-man front line could once again be in action. Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala will support either Kai Havertz or both. Niclas Fullkrug – The latter has now scored 14 goals in just 22 international matches.

Leroy Sane is still struggling with an injury and was therefore not called up, while Antonio Ruediger was rested; the absence of the Real Madrid player should mean Jonathan Tah partner Nico Schlotterbeck in defense.

Possible starting eleven for the Netherlands:
Confidence; Dumfries, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Gravenberch, Reijnders; Simons, Gakpo; Circzee

Possible starting eleven for Germany:
Ter Stegen; Kimmich, Schlotterbeck, Tah, Mittelstadt; Andrich, Pavlovic; Musiala, Havertz, Wirtz; Vollkrug

We think: Netherlands 2-2 Germany

Given their recent history and their high-scoring start to the Nations League season, the Netherlands and Germany are expected to share a few goals on Tuesday night.

Both teams have some promising attacking talent, but there are still doubts about the defensive capabilities of both sides, so it should be an entertaining encounter between the two leaders of Group 3.

Click here to see a data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this match.

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