Netherlands v Spain – Lineup, Statistics and Preview

The game preview of the Netherlands v. Spain

National League champion holder Spain will take over the Netherlands in the quarter-final showdown at Rotterdam on Thursday night.

The winner of the two-leg draw will reach the semi-finals in June, where they will meet with Croatia or France.

After being eliminated by England in the 2024 European Cup semi-finals, the Netherlands finished second in its National League group last year, scoring nine points from six matches.

Ronald Koeman’s soldiers beat the German champion 1-0 in October but ended the group stage with a 4-0 victory over Hungary and a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Despite two close proximity to lifting the National League trophy – finishing second in Portugal in 2019 and falling into Italy in the third-place playoffs in 2023 – it was a success in the game.

Koeman will focus on improving his team’s defensive record as they manage only a clean sheet in the group stage while taking on seven goals, which is more than any other team in the game stage.

#NEDESP It’s coming soon! 🌪️ #nothinglikeoranje #NationSleague pic.twitter.com/tikcks92a3

– Onsoranje (@Onsoranje) March 18, 2025

However, their recent record in Spain has provided some encouragement, with only three goals in the last five games.

Although France is currently one position ahead of Spain in the world rankings, many people believe that La Roja is the dominant force in Europe.

They hold both the National League and European Championship titles and won the 2024 euro title last summer.

Since taking over as head coach in December 2022, Luis de la Fuente has led Spain to 23 victories, three draws and two losses.

Spain is comfortably in the National League group, scoring 16 points from a possible 18 points and second in Denmark.

Despite La Roja’s five straight wins in the game, they have not beaten the Dutch side in 90 minutes since their 1-0 European qualifiers in February 1983.

🚨|Squad List #uefanationsleague quarterfinals.

The Spanish national team will face the Netherlands with double heads from March 20 to 23, 2025.

ℹ️https://t.co/kswotfs1oe#vamosespaña pic.twitter.com/38m4zsnago

– Spanish Football (@spainisfootball) March 14, 2025

Team News from the Netherlands v Spain

Koeman’s squad suffered multiple setbacks of injury, with Denzel Dumfries and Jerdy Schouten withdrawing troops due to injuries.

Nathan Ake, Stefan de Vrij and Devyne Rensch are also not available, while several players including Micky Van de Ven, Joshua Zirkzee, Wout Weghorst, Marten de Roon and Quinten Timber are all left out of the team.

Uncovered Ajax defender Youri Baas and midfielder Mats Wieffer have been selected as replacements.

Frenkie de Jong is named in the team and is still a little suspicious after losing Barcelona’s recent victory over Atletico Madrid 4-2 due to illness.

Spain also saw changes in their team, with Inigo Martinez, Marc Casado and Bryan Zaragoza all being ruled out due to injuries.

Their absence opened the door for Bournemouth’s unbridled defender Dean Huijsen and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Aleix Garcia.

Real Madrid Centre defender Raul Asencio received his first premium call and was able to make his debut.

Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who is only 17 years old, will win his 18th top hat in Spain on the right.

The beginning of a wonderful day! ☀️#nothinglikeoranje #NationSleague pic.twitter.com/axt9okswlc

– Onsoranje (@Onsoranje) March 18, 2025

Netherlands v Spain’s expected lineup

Netherlands: Verbruggen; Frimpong, De Ligt, Van Dijk, J. Imber; Gravenberch, de Jong, Reijnders; Simons, Brobbey, Gakpo

Spain: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Le Normand, Cucurella; Ruiz, Zubimendi, Pedri; Yamal, Morata, Williams