Netherlands vs Spain Predictions

• Netherlands have conceded at least two goals in four of their last five home Nations League games
• Spain have scored at least two goals in their last two away Nations League matches
• Spain have scored at least two goals in 13 of their last 19 games in all competitions

Netherlands lack attacking quality of Spanish

Spain’s defence of the Nations League takes them back to the country where they won it to face the Netherlands in the quarter-final first-leg on Thursday. Luis de la Fuente’s side are the favourites to retain their crown this year and are shorter in the match betting than their hosts at Stadion Feijenoord.

That is understandable because they were the classisest team at last summer’s Euros and even appear to have kicked on after winning five games in a row. De La Fuente seems to be keeping a lid on any internal squabbles and running a happy camp.

The Dutch have not been beaten by Spain since the 2010 World Cup Final with two wins and a draw in three meetings since, including the memorable 5-1 thrashing they doled out in Brazil 2014. Ronald Koeman has a wealth of quality in several positions but a dearth of top-class options in a couple of others, which is why he has recalled Memphis Depay to the fold after the striker scored a handful of goals for Corinthians.

La Roja set to double up on Dutch

Spain’s attacking alternatives, headed by Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, look significantly more threatening, although the Dutch scored as many goals as Spain (13) in League A’s group stage.

However, Koeman’s team conceded almost twice as many (seven) with the underlying stats marking Spain out as one of the tightest defences in the tournament. La Roja overcame the loss of Rodri more efficiently than Manchester City and are capable of creating plenty of high-quality chances with their potent, possession-based style in Rotterdam.

Spain should find a way to win this if their midfield gets on top and wide men show their class, but the Dutch are a proud footballing nation and will not be easy to dispatch. Back Spain to score at least two goals in the game, as they have done in 13 of their last 19 games in all competitions, with the Netherlands’ full-backs likely to be severely tested by Spain’s superb wingers.