The Netherlands will aim to continue their positive start in League A Group 3 when they face Hungary in Budapest on Friday. Oranje occupy second place after two games, while Hungary sits last in the group, still searching for their first win of the campaign.
Match Preview
The Netherlands’ Nations League campaign
After suffering a semi-final exit to England at Euro 2024, the Netherlands bounced back with a dominant 5-2 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in their Nations League opener. This was followed by a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Germany, with Denzel Dumfries scoring late to rescue a point.
The Dutch currently sit second in the group, trailing Germany only on goal difference. A win on Friday would keep them on course for quarter-final qualification. The Netherlands have been impressive on the road in the Nations League, winning their last four away games and scoring multiple goals in each.
Hungary’s struggle for form
Hungary, after being promoted to the top tier of the Nations League, has found it challenging to compete in Group 3. They were hammered 5-0 by Germany in their opener and followed that with a goalless draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Hungary has failed to score in the Nations League so far, and they sit at the bottom of the group.
Despite their struggles in this campaign, Hungary has been strong at home, boasting a record of nine wins and two draws in their last 11 matches. They will need to rediscover their attacking prowess if they are to pose any threat to the Netherlands.
Head-to-head
The Netherlands last faced Hungary in 2013, when they won 8-1 in a World Cup qualifier. However, Hungary’s home form in recent matches suggests they could be a tougher opponent this time around.
Team News
Hungary
Hungary will be without experienced goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, who opted not to play this month. This opens the door for Denes Dibusz to start in goal, with Blackburn Rovers’ uncapped goalkeeper Balazs Toth providing backup. Dominik Szoboszlai, Hungary’s captain and talisman, will lead the team and could face several of his Liverpool teammates.
Netherlands
The Netherlands will be without defenders Jurrien Timber and Nathan Ake due to injury, and Juventus midfielder Teun Koopmeiners has also withdrawn. Ronald Koeman is expected to partner Virgil van Dijk with Micky van de Ven at the heart of the defense, while midfield duties will fall to Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders.
Matthijs de Ligt’s inconsistent form may see him dropped to the bench. In attack, Xavi Simons, Cody Gakpo, and Joshua Zirkzee are expected to lead the line for Oranje.
Possible Lineups
Hungary:
- GK: Dibusz
- DEF: Botka, Dardai, Orban
- MID: Bolla, A. Nagy, Schafer, Kerkez
- FWD: Sallai, Szoboszlai, Varga
Netherlands:
- GK: Verbruggen
- DEF: Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van de Ven, Hato
- MID: Gravenberch, Reijnders
- FWD: Malen, Simons, Gakpo, Zirkzee
Prediction
Hungary’s recent struggles in attack will likely limit their chances against a Dutch side that has been scoring freely. Despite some injury concerns, the Netherlands should have enough firepower to comfortably secure three points before their crucial encounter with Germany next week.
Prediction: Hungary 0-3 Netherlands
