The latest chapter in the fierce rivalry between Germany and the Netherlands kicks off in Munich on Monday night for a UEFA Nations League clash.
After a hard-fought draw in Amsterdam last month, these two teams, battling for over 50 years, are set to face off again. Both nations remain unbeaten so far, putting them in a strong position to advance to the quarter-finals, while Hungary and Bosnia-Herzegovina struggle without a win in Group A3.
Germany has been solid, only dropping points in their last meeting with the Dutch. They’ve secured victories against the other teams in their group and currently sit at the top.
However, they had to fend off a late challenge to clinch a 2-1 victory against Bosnia on Friday. Deniz Undav’s first-half brace put them ahead, but they faced a scare when Edin Dzeko scored late in the game, tightening the tension.
With that win, Germany now has seven points matching their total from the last Nations League edition, where they narrowly avoided relegation thanks to England's struggles. Despite not making it to the finals in previous tournaments, they’ve managed to keep their home record strong, with only one loss on home soil in the competition.
On the other side, the Netherlands isn’t to be underestimated. Although they’ve historically struggled against Germany, winning only two of their last eight encounters, they’re eager to build on their recent form.
They’ve drawn four of those matchups, including the last one, which would be enough to please coach Ronald Koeman and keep them on track for a third finals appearance in four editions.
The Dutch have shown resilience, coming from behind to secure draws in their last two matches. In Budapest on Friday, Virgil van Dijk’s red card put them in a tough spot, but Denzel Dumfries came through with an equalizer, helping maintain their position near the top of the group.
However, facing Germany in Bavaria poses a significant challenge, especially without Van Dijk anchoring the defense.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Manuel Neuer’s retirement finally opened the door for Marc-André ter Stegen to take the reins as Germany’s starting goalkeeper after years as the backup. Unfortunately, ter Stegen is now out for the season due to a serious injury he suffered against Villarreal last month.
To make matters worse, two of Germany's standout players, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz, are also sidelined with injuries, leaving coach Julian Nagelsmann with fewer options. Niclas Füllkrug has struggled at West Ham United, so Tim Kleindienst and Jonathan Burkardt got their first caps in the match against Bosnia.
The player to watch will be Deniz Undav, the Stuttgart striker, who’s been in great form, scoring eight goals in his last eight matches, including a goal in the previous encounter against the Netherlands.
For the Dutch side, Matthijs de Ligt is expected to step in at center-back due to Virgil van Dijk's suspension, even though he’s had a tough time since joining Manchester United.
Daley Blind’s retirement, along with injuries to Nathan Aké, Jurrien Timber, and Quilindschy Hartman, has left the Netherlands short on left-back options, so Micky van de Ven will likely fill that role again.
Ronald Koeman is also feeling the pinch in midfield, as Frenkie de Jong is still out long-term, and Teun Koopmeiners, Jerdy Schouten, and Joey Veerman are all unavailable.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Germany possible starting lineup:
Nubel; Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Mittelstadt; Andrich, Pavlovic, Gross; Wirtz, Undav, Gnabry
Netherlands possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, De Ligt, Van de Ven; Gravenberch, Reijnders, Q Timber; Simons, Zirkzee, Gakpo
EXPERT PREDICTION
Germany 2-2 Netherlands
Both teams netted five goals on matchday one and followed that up with an exciting draw in Amsterdam just a few days later. So, there’s every reason to believe they’ll deliver another thrilling match this time around!
