Former finalists the Netherlands host Germany in the first of many high-profile fixtures we’ll see in League A of the UEFA Nations League, after both national teams changed their managers following their World Cup failures.
Spanish football legend Xavi has taken on the task of guiding the Netherlands back to winning ways following their early exit at the hands of Morocco, and changes to the Oranje have been underway from day one.
The Netherlands have fond memories of this tournament, having reached the final in the inaugural edition in 2018/19 and finishing fourth in 2022/23. Overall, their record in the UNL is largely positive, with 12 wins, 9 draws and just three defeats.
The German national team is undergoing equally dramatic changes, with Jurgen Klopp now at the helm, taking on his first managerial role since leaving Liverpool.
Given the plans revealed so far, Germany intends to use the first international break following the World Cup to identify its new first-choice starting eleven, given that Klopp has called up no fewer than 43 players. As many as 15 of these players have never played for the national team before.
How the bookies view it: Oranje with a minimal advantage
The bookmakers have been unable to identify a clear favourite for this match, which comes as no surprise. I would say these are two completely evenly matched national teams.
However, at the moment, the Netherlands have a slight edge at 7/5, whilst Germany are available at 17/10. A draw is priced at 14/5.
Recent head-to-head: Die Nationalelf have the lead in the recent H2H record
This is a historic rivalry stretching back over a century and comprising 48 official matches, the most recent of which took place in the same tournament in 2024.
Overall, this is one of the most fiercely contested rivalries in European football, but Germany still hold the upper hand with 18 wins to the Netherlands’ 12. More importantly, in recent years, Die Nationalelf have suffered just one defeat in their last seven H2Hs.
Players to watch: Brobbey is warmed up and ready
It is difficult to predict which line-ups the managers will choose, given that they have called up so many new faces, but it is more likely that they will turn to the most experienced players for this first match, which looks tougher on paper.
Brian Brobbey was one of the surprise stars of the World Cup with his three goals, and having scored a hat-trick against Manchester City last weekend, it would be a shock if he weren’t in the starting line-up.
On the other side, I expect great things from 23-year-old Jamal Musiala, who had health issues at the start of the season but has returned to form, scoring two goals and providing an assist in his last three matches for Bayern Munich.
Probable line-ups
Netherlands: Verbruggen, Dumfries, Dijk, Hecke, Timber, Reijnders, Veerman, Gravenberch, Summerville, Brobbey, Gakpo
Germany: Nubel, Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown, Nmecha, Amiri, Musiala, Karl, Gnabry, Havertz
Anything else catch the eye?
The Netherlands and Germany faced similar problems under their previous managers, namely too many defensive errors. We saw this both before the World Cup and during the matches there, with both teams conceding at least one goal in each of their four fixtures.
There’s no way of knowing how they’ll perform now under Xavi and Jurgen Klopp, but I expect to see an exciting clash between two sides hungry for victory.
It’s no secret that most managers and players aren’t particularly fond of this tournament, so I reckon they’ll try to enjoy themselves on the pitch as well as win, and that could translate into plenty of goals.
GambleAware