After two thrilling matches in September, the Netherlands will look to keep the entertainment level high as they travel to Budapest for Friday's UEFA Nations League clash with Hungary.
Currently sitting second in League A Group 3, the Oranje will face a Hungarian side that is struggling, having picked up just one point from their first two games and sitting at the bottom of the group.
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman has had a lot to think about since their disappointing Euro 2024 semi-final exit against England. However, they bounced back impressively, scoring five goals against Bosnia-Herzegovina in their opening Nations League match of the 2024-25 season.
Their subsequent match against Germany ended in an exciting 2-2 draw, with Tijjani Reijnders scoring early before Deniz Undav and Joshua Kimmich struck back for Germany. Denzel Dumfries came to the rescue for the Netherlands, ensuring they left with a point.
While the Netherlands and Germany are tied on points, the Dutch are currently in second place due to a slightly worse goal difference. A second-place finish would still be enough for quarter-final qualification.
The Dutch have not tasted international success since their only major tournament win at Euro 1988, and they are eager to change that, especially after finishing as semi-finalists in the last Nations League.
They have a strong away record, having won their last four Nations League matches on the road, scoring multiple goals each time.
On the other hand, Hungary is looking to bounce back after a tough start to the tournament. After spending time in League C during the first Nations League, they are now in their second consecutive season in the top tier.
Despite a commendable showing at Euro 2020, they have struggled recently, scoring just two goals in their three Euro 2024 matches and none in their Nations League games so far. They suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to Germany in their opener and followed that up with a goalless draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Hungary currently sits last in Group 3, which would mean relegation back to the second tier if things don’t improve. However, they can take solace in their strong home form, having secured nine wins and two draws in their last 11 home matches.
They’ll need to channel that strength, especially considering they lost 8-1 to the Netherlands in their last meeting during a 2013 World Cup qualifier.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
A number of players from last month's matches are unavailable for the Netherlands this time, including Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber and Manchester City's Nathan Ake. Juventus midfielder Teun Koopmeiners also withdrew after the squad was announced.
During a press conference on Monday, coach Ronald Koeman emphasized that Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven can definitely start together; he just hasn’t had the chance to pair them up yet. However, they might finally team up on Friday, with Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt possibly making way after a couple of rough outings.
On the Hungarian side, coach Marco Rossi has called up a familiar group of players for October’s matches, but RB Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi will not be among them as he has chosen not to represent his country this time.
His absence has paved the way for uncapped Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Balazs Toth to join the squad, but Ferencvaros’ Denes Dibusz is expected to start in goal.
Captain Dominik Szoboszlai will face off against some of his Liverpool teammates, while Toth is one of two players from the Championship hoping to earn their first senior caps; 23-year-old Plymouth Argyle defender Kornel Szucs is the other.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Hungary possible starting lineup:
Dibusz; Botka, Dardai, Orban; Bolla, A. Nagy, Schafer, Kerkez; Sallai, Szoboszlai; Varga
Netherlands possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van de Ven, Hato; Gravenberch, Reijnders; Malen, Simons, Gakpo; Zirkzee
EXPERT PREDICTION
Hungary 0-2 Netherlands
With Hungary struggling to create much of an offensive threat in recent months, the Netherlands shouldn't face too much pressure in Budapest. Van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch know how to handle Szoboszlai, which should help solidify their defense.
While Koeman's squad may not be at full strength right now, it's still easy to imagine Oranje coming away with a comfortable victory as they prepare for next week's crucial match against Germany.
