NETHERLANDS and Croatia meet in Rotterdam on Wednesday in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals and both have targeted this silverware for different reasons.
The Dutch haven't won a trophy since Euro 88 and while the Nations League has its critics, there's no doubt it has been a popular addition and it could be the last chance for Croatia's Golden Generation of Luka Modric and co. to lift their first trophy following a runners-up and a semi-final appearances in the past two World Cup.
With the winners of Spain and Italy waiting in the other semi-finals, it won't be easy, but both Ronald Koeman and Zlatko Dalic have plenty of reasons for optimism ahead of this game.
Since being knocked out of the Euros in 2021, the Dutch have lost just one match in 90 minutes in their last 22 matches and they also lost to eventual winners Argentina on penalties at the last World Cup.
That defeat came when they crashed to a 4-0 defeat to France in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier though and they also have to do without Memphis Depay.
Croatia have only lost one in their last 15 and that was to Argentina too in Qatar. They started their Euro 2024 qualifiers with a disappointing draw against Wales, but then went to Turkey and won.
How the bookies view it
Home advantage sees the Dutch installed as 21/20 favourites with Coral and they are odds-on in plenty of places.
Croatia are 3/1 outsiders with Boylesports and the draw is 12/5 with bet365.
The Netherlands are a general 8/15 to qualify and Croatia 8/5.
Recent head to heads
Surprisingly, the nations have only met twice with the Croatians winning in the 1998 World Cup and the Dutch winning a friendly ten years later.
Players to watch
Cody Gakpo managed seven goals for Liverpool since his big money move from PSV Eindhoven and will likely lead the line. He is 12/5 to score anytime with bet365.
Luka Modric will win his 165th cap here and the captain and Real Madrid star is still a huge threat at 37. He is 11/2 to score anytime with bet365.
Anything else catch the eye?
The Dutch look a fairly solid bet here at a packed and noisy De Kuip to get the better of the Croatians at odds-against.
Croatia have six key members of their squad aged 30 or over and at the end of a long, hard season, Koeman's youthful side could prove too strong for them. The hosts have enjoyed great consistency too.
But it could be a tight affair. Both defences are packed full of experience and neither side have been full of goals recently – the Dutch could only defeat Gibraltar 3-0 at home in their last game for example.
Go for under 1.5 goals at 11/5 with bet365.
This UEFA Nations League match between Netherlands and Croatia will be played on Jun 14, 2023 and kick off at 19:45. Check below for our tipsters best Netherlands vs Croatia prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
