Netherlands welcome Hungary in what should be a decisive game for both teams in the UEFA Nations League A Group 3 clash on Saturday night.
In what is a decisive UEFA Nations League clash, the Netherlands host Hungary at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Saturday. Both teams are tied on five points in League A Group 3, making this a must-win clash.
Ronald Koeman’s side started their Nations League campaign with a strong 5-2 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. But since then, they have hit a rough patch, failing to win any of their last three games. Successive 1-1 draws with Germany and Hungary were followed by a 1-0 loss to Germany in their most recent match, leaving the Dutch with only five points from a possible 12.
Despite the recent drop in form, the Netherlands are still second in the group standings, leading Hungary on goal difference. Victory on Saturday would assure them of second spot, while defeat could end their top-two hopes and leave them at risk of relegation to League B. The Oranje have been relatively consistent at home, having scored in every Nations League match on home soil except for a 1-0 defeat to Italy in 2020.
Meanwhile, Hungary are in a similar position as the Netherlands, needing a win to secure quarter-final qualification. Under Marco Rossi’s management, Hungary have mirrored the Oranje’s record in the group with one win, two draws, and one loss. After a rough start, suffering a 5-0 defeat to Germany, Hungary have rebounded, drawing 1-1 with the Netherlands in October and defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0, thanks to a brace from Dominik Szoboszlai.
A quarter-final appearance would be a remarkable achievement for Hungary, a team that began in League C during the inaugural Nations League tournament in 2018-19. Notably, Hungary have pulled off impressive away results in the past, including a 4-0 victory over England and a 1-0 win over Germany in 2022.
October’s draw with the Netherlands broke a nine-game losing streak against the Dutch, though they haven’t defeated them since a World Cup qualifier in 1984. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Netherlands
The Netherlands face defensive challenges ahead of their Nations League showdown with Hungary. Key defenders Micky van de Ven, Nathan Ake, Lutsharel Geertruida, and Ian Maatsen are all unavailable, limiting Ronald Koeman’s options at the back. However, Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber has returned to the squad after missing last month’s matches, providing some relief in defence.
In midfield, Frenkie de Jong provided a scare over the weekend after coming off at half-time in Barcelona’s loss to Real Sociedad. But it was just a knock to the shin, not an aggravation of his previous ankle injury. He is expected to be available for Saturday’s game, potentially partnering with Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch in midfield. Unfortunately, RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons is ruled out due to recent ankle surgery.
In a 4-2-3-1 formation, Bart Verbruggen is likely to start in goal. The defensive line will feature Denzel Dumfries at right-back, Stefan de Vrij and Virgil van Dijk as the central defenders, and Jorrel Hato at left-back, making up a restructured back four due to the various absences.
In central midfield, Frenkie de Jong and Ryan Gravenberch will likely form a double pivot, providing a blend of defensive coverage and playmaking ability. The attacking trio behind the lone striker will consist of Donyell Malen on the right wing, Tijjani Reijnders in the central role, and Cody Gakpo on the left wing, adding creativity and pace to the formation.
Wout Weghorst is expected to lead the line as the central striker, utilizing his physical presence to hold up play and connect with the midfield and wingers.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Dumfries, de Vrij, van Dijk, Hato; de Jong, Gravenberch; Malen, Reijnders, Gakpo; Weghorst
Hungary
Hungary will be without their most experienced defender, Attila Fiola, who misses this match due to suspension after accumulating too many bookings. Marton Dardai is expected to step into the back three to cover Fiola’s absence, joining a defensive line that will need to be resilient against the Netherlands.
Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai is set to make his 50th appearance for Hungary. Despite facing competition for starts at Liverpool, Szoboszlai remains a key figure for the national team and will occupy one of the two no. 10 roles. Roland Sallai, who has also scored 14 goals for Hungary, is expected to support the attack alongside Szoboszlai, with Barnabas Varga from Ferencvaros likely to lead the line as the central striker.
In a 3-4-2-1 formation, Dénes Dibusz is set to start as the goalkeeper. The back three will feature Marton Dardai on the left, Willi Orban as the central defender, and Endre Botka on the right, forming a solid defensive trio in Fiola’s absence.
In midfield, Bendeguz Bolla will take the right wing-back role, while Tamas Nikitscher and Andras Schafer will operate centrally, providing both defensive coverage and ball progression. Milos Kerkez will play as the left wing-back, offering width and additional support in both defence and attack.
In the two advanced midfield roles, Dominik Szoboszlai and Roland Sallai will provide creativity and offensive support, aiming to connect with and assist the central striker. Barnabas Varga is expected to lead the attack, using his goalscoring abilities to challenge the Dutch defence.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Dibusz; Dardai, Orban, Botka; Bolla, Nikitscher, Schafer, Kerkez; Sallai, Szoboszlai; Varga
Key Stats
- Netherlands have a dominant record over Hungary, with the Dutch unbeaten in their last nine encounters against the Magyars. Hungary have not defeated the Netherlands since 1984, marking nearly four decades since their last victory.
- Netherlands have been consistent in scoring on home soil in the Nations League, failing to score in only one of their home games since the competition’s inception — a 1-0 loss to Italy in 2020.
- The Netherlands have won only one of their last four Nations League games (W1 D2 L1), with their last win coming on the opening day in a 5-2 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- Hungary have scored just thrice in the league stage this campaign, the joint least of any side in the group.
Player to Watch
Dominic Szoboszlai
Szoboszlai stands out as Hungary’s key player, bringing creativity, technical skill, and a strong shot from a distance. As he reaches his 50th international cap, Szoboszlai will have an additional incentive to make an impact against a familiar face on the field—his Liverpool teammate, Virgil van Dijk. Facing off against van Dijk, one of Europe’s premier defenders, presents a unique challenge and an opportunity for Szoboszlai to show his quality.
Given that Liverpool teammate Curtis Jones just scored on his England debut and Harvey Elliott is returning from injury, Szoboszlai may feel the need to prove himself further, especially to keep his own prominence in Liverpool’s lineup intact. His ability to navigate around van Dijk and create scoring opportunities could be pivotal in Hungary’s quest to break through the Dutch defence and secure a quarter-final spot in the Nations League.
Prediction
Netherlands 2-1 Hungary
The Netherlands have the home advantage and a historically strong record against Hungary, but the Magyars have proven they are capable of surprise results on the road. Expect a close contest with the Dutch narrowly edging out their opponents. The Netherlands’ home advantage and attacking options may be enough to secure a narrow victory.