Athletistic/ Football. On Wednesday, June 14, the first semi-final of the League of Nations will take place. The Netherlands will play against Croatia.
Netherlands – Croatia
June 14. The League of Nations. 1/2 finals. Departure is at 21:45 Moscow time.
The Oranges disappointed during the last international break. The team was beaten by France – 0:4. It is one of the worst matches in the history of the national team. It notably coincided with the return of Ronald Koeman. The coach replaced Louis van Gaal. The specialist tries to put on attacking football, but the Netherlands have a rather modest selection of players compared to the giants. The Netherlands have no significant changes from the previous list. There are many talented performers, but objectively there is not enough experience. Big loss – Memphis Depay. One of Ronald Koeman’s key players. The “Atletico” footballer ended the season in Madrid with an injury. But it will definitely be Frankie de Jong. The midfielder has recovered from an injury at Barcelona. It’s hardly worth expecting any global tactical changes from the Netherlands. The team will play in an attacking formation with three forwards. Completion issues may occur. Currently, there is no mobile scorer. The main hopes in such a situation will be linked to Cody Gakpo.
Croatia is gradually starting the process of generational change. So far, the bet is still made on age players. The backbone of the World Cup has been preserved, led by Luka Modric. In the center of the field, Croatia remains a strong triangle of Luka with Brozovic and Kovacic. At the moment there is only one young star in the team – Joshko Guardiol. For the Croatian team, the Nations League can become a great stage in the history of the national team. Modric’s generation has twice won medals at the World Championships. The title will put a nice end to many veterans. Croatia got off to a good start in qualifying for the European Championship. The team had complete superiority over Wales, but ultimately missed out on victory. Managed to improve in the next game in Türkiye. Croatia prevailed in a difficult trip thanks to Kovacic’s double.
The last time the teams of the Netherlands and Croatia met in 2008. Then, in a friendly match, the “oranges” were stronger – 3:0.
The “Ladies” don’t look like outsiders ahead of the meeting with the Netherlands. There are no major changes in the composition. All the leaders of the national team approach the international tournament in work uniform. Of the veterans, only Lovren and Vrsaljko have retired. Croatia is capable of playing at least one equal semi-final.
Bookmakers’ odds raise questions. The Netherlands under Koeman have disappointed in a serious game so far. Croatia have a well-balanced team, a well-placed game and great motivation. In terms of the quality of performers, the Netherlands does not have a world advantage either.
Approximate compositions:
The Netherlands: Baylow – Dumfries, van Dyck, Botman, Ake – de Roon, de Jong, Simons – Bergwijn, Gakpo, Malen.
Croatia: Livakovic – Yuranovich, Shutalo, Erlic, Sosa – Modric, Brozovic, Kovacic – Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic.
Tomorrow, June 15, Italy and Spain will contest another Nations League semi-final.
France is the reigning champion of the League of Nations.
Andrey Andreev, Sport.Ru
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Source: Sport
I’m Scott Moore, a professional writer and journalist based in the US. I’ve been writing for various publications for over 8 years now, and have been working as an author at athletistic for the past five years. My work has been featured by some of the leading sports websites and magazines across Europe.
