Spain vs Netherlands Preview: Odds, Tips and Prediction

Spain is in top-notch form, having won their last five matches, and are undefeated in their last 16 with a mere one loss in their last 25. Their most recent result was a 3-2 victory over Switzerland, where Bryan Zaragoza’s late penalty sealed the win. Before that, they edged past Denmark 2-1, preceded by domination over Serbia 3-0 with Morata, Aymeric Laporte, and Alex Baena getting on the scoresheet.

A tight 1-0 win over Denmark saw Zubimendi grab the crucial goal, while their biggest recent result came in a 4-1 thrashing of Switzerland, where Joselu, Ruiz (2), and Ferran Torres found the net.

With some younger talents expected to feature, and the middle of the park missing their talisman, it’s possible we could see some new partnerships. Spain must maintain defensive solidity via their possession game and put in a proper shift when losing possession for that quick counter-press because the Dutch can really hurt on the transition.

The Dutch opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against Germany, followed by a 1-1 draw with Hungary, where Dumfries equalized after van Dijk’s red card. A 1-0 loss to Germany exposed the weak attack before a 4-0 win over Hungary saw Wout Weghorst, Cody Gakpo, Teun Koopmeiners, and Denzel Dumfries score. The 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina ended with Brian Brobbey netting early, yet again defensive lapses cost Ronald Koeman’s boys.

Some solid changes have been and possibly more to come with Youri Baas having been called up to replace the injured Dumfries. Jurien Timber, alongside van Dijk, could add stability to a struggling defence, while Frenkie De Jong will dictate midfield, and Koopmeiners or Kenneth Taylor may need to sit deeper.

In attack, Brobbey and Cody Gakpo starting in attack have some serious firepower and with Depay and Donyell Malen as impact subs, they might have a solid chance. 

Fortunately, this can be seen as a win-win for the Dutch – lose, and they get an easier World Cup qualifying group; win, and they refine a system against top opposition. Koeman must take this chance to experiment.