Match point for Koeman's star-studded side, but Szobo has other plans
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 16.11.24. | 13:17
The Netherlands and Hungary square off in the decisive Nations League game on Saturday night (10.45 pm)
We're getting close to the end of the Nations League group stage. The last games are on Tuesday, but we already know that Portugal, Italy, France, Germany and Spain will play in the Division A quarter-finals.
On Monday, Serbia and Denmark will decide who books a ticket for the knockout stage, while Croatia is also close to reaching that stage despite a surprising away loss to Scotland on Friday night.
When it comes to the last 'passenger', Netherlands and Hungary face off tonight, with five points each to their name, and will fight for the quarter-finals. The victory at the Johan Cruyff Arena tonight would award Ronald Koeman's star-studded lot with a place in the next round. In the first leg, in Budapest, Denzel Dumfries' late equalizer saved the favourites and pushed them a step closer to success.
However, Koeman is facing injury issues, especially in the defensive line, as Micky van de Ven, Nathan Ake, Lutsharel Geertruida and Ian Maatsen are not available for the next two games, just like RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons. On the other hand, Julian Timber returns to the squad after a long absence due to knee ligament surgery, and Frenkie de Jong should be in contention for the team.
Liverpool's Cody Gakpo and Ajax's tall forward Wout Weghorst are expected in Oranje's attack.
When it comes to Hungarians, Liverpool's midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai will play his 50th match for the national team. Roland Sallai and Ferencvaros' robust striker Barnabas Varga are expected in the offence.
With a win, both of them would solve their qualification issues, while a draw would leave the drama to be resolved in the last 90 minutes. The Dutch have an easier job though against Bosnia and Herzegovina than the Hungarians against Germany.
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE - GROUP STAGE
Division A
Thursday
Belgium - Italy 0-1 (0-1)
/Tonali 11/
France - Israel 0-0
Friday
Denmark - Spain 1-2 (0-1)
/Isaksen 84 - Oyarzabal 15, Perez 58/
Portugal - Poland 5-1 (0-0)
/Leao 59, Cristiano 72 pen, 87, Bruno 80, Neto 83 - Marczuk 88/
Scotland - Croatia 1-0 (0-0)
/McGinn 86/
Switzerland - Serbia 1-1 (0-0)
/Amdouni 78 - Terzic 88/
Saturday
22.45: (1.15) Germany (8.00) B&H (16.0)
22.45: (1.40) Netherlands (4.70) Hungary (8.00)
Sunday
22.45: (3.40) Italy (3.35) France (2.30)
Division B
Thursday
Kazakhstan - Austria 0-2 (0-2)
/Baumgartner 15, Gregoritsch 25/
Greece - England 0-3 (0-1)
/Watkins 7, Vlachodimos 78 og, Jones 83/
R.Ireland - Finland 1-0 (1-0)
/Ferguson 45/
Slovenia - Norway 1-4 (1-2)
/Sesko 21 pen - Nusa 4, 59, Haaland 45, Hauge 82/
Saturday
20.00: (2.50) Georgia (3.25) Ukraine (2.90)
20.00: (2.50) Montenegro (3.25) Iceland (2.90)
20.00: (1.77) Turkey (3.50) Wales (4.90)
22.45: (3.20) Albania (3.30) Czech R. (2.30)
Sunday
20.00: (1.22) England (6.25) R.Ireland (14.0)
***odds are subject to change***
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