Neither the Netherlands nor Germany have been at the very top of European or world football in the past decade (at least in terms of results), but their rivalry, which spans over half a century (and much longer on a societal level), still evokes memories and heats up the atmosphere before every clash. Tonight, two sleeping giants will meet in Amsterdam in the second round of Division A in the UEFA Nations League, and both seem well-prepared, judging by their first matches. The Netherlands put five goals past Bosnia (5-2), while Germany comfortably defeated Hungary (5-0). Both teams are brimming with confidence.🇳🇱 🆚 🇩🇪 – Tomorrow’s clash brings a classic rivalry back to the spotlight! Will Germany come out on top again, or can the Netherlands turn the tables? 🏆🔥4️⃣6️⃣ matches played: ❶❷ wins for the Netherlands, ❶❼ wins for Germany!#DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT pic.twitter.com/5j59778tj4— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) September 9, 2024 In Germany, there was great interest in the match against Hungary, as it was the first game since the retirement of veterans Manuel Neuer, Ilkay Gündogan, Toni Kroos, and Thomas Müller. For the first time, Joshua Kimmich led the team as captain, and the crowd in Düsseldorf was treated to a spectacular performance. Most notably, the young duo of Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz shone brightly, confirming that they will be key players for Germany over the next 15 years.German rhapsody and Musiala’s magic smash Hungary!”When two young guys play side by side and understand each other so well, it’s an absolute dream” said a delighted Julian Nagelsmann after the match. Musiala set up three goals (including one for Wirtz) and scored one himself. Wirtz, in return, assisted Musiala’s goal. It was a joy to watch them, to the extent that even Niklas Füllkrug, Kai Havertz, and Aleksandar Pavlović, who also scored, took a back seat in the spotlight. Germany took 23 shots, eight of which were on target, while Hungary barely managed a single dangerous attempt. However, this is just a solid foundation for what needs to be built. The “new Germany” has serious construction work ahead, starting tonight, though they will be weakened. According to the latest reports, Niklas Füllkrug has been ruled out due to an Achilles tendon issue, likely to be replaced by young Dortmund striker Max Beier.Sure, you can wait for long, but no one is as patient as Ter StegenThe rest of the lineup is expected to remain similar to the Hungary match: Ter Stegen in goal, Schlotterbeck and Tah as central defenders, Kimmich at right-back, Andrich in midfield, Wirtz and Musiala as attacking midfielders, with Havertz and Baier up front. Max Mittelstädt could replace David Raum, while Aleksandar Pavlović might start instead of Christian Groß. Dutch media expect Donnyell Malen and Wout Weghorst to enter the starting lineup, unlike the Bosnia match. Joshua Zirkzee and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to be rested. It’s also known that Koeman cannot count on Memphis Depay and Jeremie Frimpong.”I expect we will have more space to play against Germany. That’s why we need to make some changes” said Dutch coach Ronald Koeman. Despite a poor showing against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Dutch coach will not drop Matthijs de Ligt from the starting lineup.”Yes, he had one bad moment. But it’s not a big deal, we shouldn’t look at it with so much emotion. Besides that mistake, he had many good interventions” Koeman added.UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE – GROUP STAGETue 19:00: (2.10) Latvia (3.20) Faroe I. (3.80)Tue 21:45: (1.63) Hungary (3.80) B&H (5.70)Tue 21:45: (2.60) Netherlands (3.70) Germany (2.70)Tue 21:45: (2.40) Czech R. (3.35) Ukraine (2.95)Tue 21:45: (2.75) R.Ireland (2.95) Greece (2.85)Tue 21:45: (2.55) Albania (3.10) Georgia (2.95)Tue 21:45: (1.13) England (8.50) Finland (19.0)Tue 21:45: (1.95) Macedonia (3.45) Armenia (4.00)Tue 21:45: (3.50) Andorra (2.85) Malta (2.40)
