Old rivals will lock horns once again as the Netherlands host Germany at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Tuesday for their second UEFA Nations League match. Both teams head into the game on the back of dominant 5-2 victories, setting up an exciting battle for the top spot in League A Group 3.
For the Netherlands, the pursuit of Nations League glory is part of a larger quest to finally lift a major trophy after decades of near-misses. Their journey began on Saturday with a convincing win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Eindhoven.
In the absence of Memphis Depay, Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee stepped up, scoring his first international goal with a clever flicked header. Though Bosnia equalized, the Dutch regained control before halftime when Tijjani Reijnders finished off a Zirkzee assist.
The second half saw the Oranje pull away, with Cody Gakpo, Wout Weghorst, and Xavi Simons all finding the back of the net, sealing a 5-2 win in their first match since a painful Euro 2024 semi-final loss to England.
That defeat added to a history of frustration for the Netherlands, who last reached a final in the inaugural Nations League five years ago, only to lose to Portugal. In last year's tournament, they finished fourth after defeating Belgium, Poland, and Wales but fell short of lifting the trophy.
Now, the stakes are slightly reduced as the Dutch prepare to face Germany, with only a top-two finish required to advance to the Nations League’s new quarter-final stage.
Still, the history between these two football powerhouses adds a level of intensity. Johan Cruyff’s famous Dutch side was beaten by Germany in the 1974 World Cup final, but Ronald Koeman’s team triumphed over them en route to winning Euro 1988.
Germany, led by Julian Nagelsmann, will be eager to continue their recent resurgence. The team overpowered Hungary 5-0 in their opening match, with Kai Havertz among five different scorers, adding a late penalty to cap off a strong performance. While the Germans defeated the Dutch 2-1 in a friendly back in March, the Netherlands have had the upper hand in their more recent competitive encounters.
After falling short at their home Euros this summer, Germany is determined to make its mark in the Nations League and set the stage for a strong 2026 World Cup campaign.
Nagelsmann has won eight of his first 14 matches as head coach, and with attacking talents like Jamal Musiala, Florian Wirtz, and Havertz leading the charge, he will be confident his squad can secure at least a point in Amsterdam.
The stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the storied rivalry between these two football giants.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
After netting his first international goal over the weekend, Joshua Zirkzee is likely to retain his spot in the Netherlands’ starting lineup on Tuesday. However, Brian Brobbey and Wout Weghorst are also in the running to lead the attack, with the versatile Cody Gakpo an option to play as a false nine if needed.
In midfield, the experienced Marten de Roon and Georginio Wijnaldum are expected to feature, while veteran defender Daley Blind remains a key figure at the back. Notably, Ronald Koeman has left out two regular forwards this month. The Dutch manager has been involved in a public dispute over Steven Bergwijn's recent move to the Saudi Pro League, while Memphis Depay, the team’s star striker, is still in search of a new club.
Despite injuries to Micky van de Ven and Joey Veerman, there was a bright moment for the Netherlands when Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber returned from injury against Bosnia. In a special occasion for the Timber family, Jurrien and his brother Quinten both came off the bench to represent their country together for the first time.
Germany, meanwhile, continue their shift toward a younger squad under coach Julian Nagelsmann. With veterans like Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, Ilkay Gundogan, and Toni Kroos no longer in the team, Nagelsmann has handed the captain’s armband to Joshua Kimmich, who will lead the side for the 10th time on Tuesday.
Germany’s exciting attacking lineup could feature Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala supporting either Kai Havertz, Niclas Fullkrug, or both. Fullkrug, in particular, has been in impressive form, scoring 14 goals in just 22 international appearances.
With Leroy Sane sidelined due to injury and Antonio Rudiger rested, Jonathan Tah is expected to partner Nico Schlotterbeck in defense as Germany looks to build on their momentum in the Nations League.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Netherlands possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Ake; Schouten, Gravenberch, Reijnders; Simons, Gakpo; Zirkzee
Germany possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Kimmich, Schlotterbeck, Tah, Mittelstadt; Andrich, Pavlovic; Musiala, Havertz, Wirtz; Fullkrug
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Netherlands 2-2 Germany
While each team boasts impressive talent going forward, their defenses have shown vulnerabilities, setting the stage for an exciting, high-scoring encounter between the top two teams in Group 3.
