Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman is well aware that his team must elevate their performance if they hope to secure a win in the Nations League quarter-final second leg against reigning champions Spain in Valencia this Sunday.
The opening match concluded in a 2-2 draw in Rotterdam on Thursday, with Spain equalising in stoppage time during an exhilarating encounter. Now, the European champions will enjoy the advantage of home ground.
“I anticipate another match filled with high intensity,” Koeman shared in a press conference on Saturday. “Both teams have lessons to learn from Thursday, and they certainly will.”
“Spain had several moments where they were under pressure, and I’m sure they took note of that. It will have frustrated them, so they will come out with purpose. We need to raise our game as well.”
Nevertheless, Koeman believes his team has the potential to surprise the hosts and advance to the semi-finals in June, where they could face either Croatia or France. The Croatians currently hold a 2-0 lead ahead of their match in Paris.
“We could have made a greater impact in the first leg against Spain,” Koeman remarked. “I hope we can capitalise on that tomorrow. There are definitely areas we need to improve.”
With Jorrel Hato suspended after his red card in the first leg, Koeman must address the left-back position.
Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen was called up on Friday to fill the gap, while uncapped Ajax Amsterdam centre-back Youri Baas could also be considered.
“It’s a difficult decision,” Koeman acknowledged. “Maatsen was brought in at the last moment, but he is a true left-back.”
The Dutch find themselves in a unique situation where a defeat could potentially benefit their World Cup qualification prospects for the finals in North America next year.
Should they triumph over Spain, the Netherlands will enter World Cup qualifying Group E, facing challenging away games against Bulgaria and Turkey in September, with Georgia also in their group.
Conversely, a loss on Sunday would place them in Group G, where they would meet Finland (away) and Malta (home) for their opening World Cup qualifiers in June. This group also includes Poland and Lithuania.
“It’s true that the group with five teams might be somewhat more advantageous,” Koeman conceded. “However, it’s not something we’ve discussed with the players, nor will it influence our approach to the match.”
“Our absolute goal is to reach the semi-finals of the Nations League. It’s a trophy we’re aiming to secure,” he asserted.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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