Netherlands Eye Dominant Finale in Nations League Clash Against Bosnia-Herzegovina
In the final round of Group A3 fixtures in the UEFA Nations League, the Netherlands travel to Zenica to face a reeling Bosnia-Herzegovina side. While Ronald Koeman’s men have already secured second place in the group, their hosts are playing for pride after a disastrous campaign.
Match Preview
The Netherlands secured a resounding 4-0 victory over Hungary in their previous outing, clinching second place in the group behind Germany. Goals from Wout Weghorst, Cody Gakpo, Denzel Dumfries, and Teun Koopmeiners showcased the Oranje’s attacking prowess, though the game was overshadowed by a medical emergency involving Hungary coach Adam Szalai.
Koeman’s team have reached the knockout rounds in three of four Nations League editions, and they hope to build momentum for future challenges. However, their away form in the competition has been less than stellar, with no victories in two road games this season.
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Meanwhile, Bosnia-Herzegovina are coming off their heaviest-ever defeat, a 7-0 demolition by Germany. This thrashing compounded an already miserable campaign that sees them facing relegation to League B. With the worst defensive record in the tournament, conceding 16 goals in five matches, the Golden Lilies are desperate to salvage some pride on home soil.
Despite their struggles, Bosnia-Herzegovina managed a goalless draw against the Dutch in Zenica during the 2020-21 Nations League, a performance they’ll hope to replicate.
Team News
Netherlands:
Koeman is likely to rotate his squad with nothing at stake in the final game. Regular starters like Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Frenkie de Jong may be rested, providing opportunities for players like Matthijs de Ligt, Jeremie Frimpong, and Teun Koopmeiners.
Mark Flekken is expected to start in goal, with uncapped keeper Nick Olij possibly making his debut off the bench.
Predicted XI:
Flekken; Rensch, De Ligt, De Vrij, Hato; Wieffer, Timber; Frimpong, Koopmeiners, Lang; Brobbey
Bosnia-Herzegovina:
Sergej Barbarez will welcome Nikola Katic back from suspension, but injuries to key defenders Jusuf Gazibegovic and Nihad Mujakic mean further adjustments are likely. Edin Dzeko, rested during the Germany game, is set to return to the starting lineup alongside Ermedin Demirovic.
Benjamin Tahirovic, playing club football in the Netherlands, will anchor the midfield.
Predicted XI:
Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Bicakcic, Barisic; Burnic, Tahirovic, Huseinbasic; Hajradinovic; Dzeko, Demirovic
Match Prediction
Despite Bosnia-Herzegovina’s desperation for redemption, the Netherlands’ depth and quality are expected to dominate. Koeman’s squad, even with significant rotations, should overpower the Golden Lilies, sealing a commanding victory to end their group campaign.
Prediction: Netherlands 3-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina
