Germany vs Netherlands Prediction: 14/10/2024

In September, Germany kicked off their new Nations League campaign in style, delivering a resounding 5-0 win over Hungary before earning a solid 2-2 draw against the Netherlands just three days later. Since Julian Nagelsmann took over as head coach in September 2023, Germany has significantly improved and showed great potential during Euro 2024, which was hosted on home soil.

The team, led by standout player Jamal Musiala, played some of the most exciting football in the tournament. Topping their group, they went on to defeat Denmark 2-0 in the round of 16, only to be narrowly eliminated by eventual champions Spain, losing 2-1 after extra time in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, in their last Nations League fixture, the Netherlands started the tournament strong with an impressive 5-2 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina before drawing 2-2 with Germany at home.

The Netherlands had a mixed performance at Euro 2024. After a lackluster group stage, they finished in third place behind Austria and France. However, they bounced back in the knockout stages, convincingly defeating Romania 3-0 in the round of 16 and Turkey 2-1 in the quarterfinals, before losing narrowly to England 2-1 in the semifinals.

Germany, after Euro 2024, entered a new era with several notable international retirements, including goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Toni Kroos (retired), Ilkay Gündogan (Manchester City), and Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich).

For the current squad, absences include goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona, 42 caps), key player Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich, 6 goals in 36 caps), and forwards Kai Havertz (Arsenal, 19 goals in 53 caps) and Niclas Füllkrug (West Ham, 14 goals in 22 caps). Additionally, left-back David Raum (Leipzig, 26 caps), midfielder Emre Can (Dortmund, 48 caps), and winger Leroy Sané (Bayern Munich, 13 goals in 65 caps) are unavailable.

However, Florian Wirtz (Leverkusen, 4 goals in 25 caps) and Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich, 22 goals in 45 caps) are expected to play key roles in the attack, while Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich, 93 caps) and Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid, 74 caps) lead the defense.

The Netherlands also face significant absences due to injuries or coaching decisions. Key defenders like Nathan Aké (Manchester City, 53 caps), Jurrien Timber (Arsenal, 17 caps), and van Hecke (Brighton, 1 cap) are missing, as well as midfielders Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona, 54 caps), Marten de Roon (Atalanta, 42 caps), Teun Koopmeiners (Juventus, 21 caps), Joey Veerman (PSV, 16 caps), and Jerdy Schouten (PSV, 13 caps).

In attack, the Oranje are without Memphis Depay (Corinthians, 46 goals in 98 caps), Wout Weghorst (Ajax, 13 goals in 41 caps), and Steven Bergwijn (Al-Ittihad, 8 goals in 35 caps). However, captain Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, 76 caps) is present, along with right-back Denzel Dumfries (Inter, 60 caps), although Dumfries has lost his starting spot at his club. Midfielders Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan, 17 caps) and Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool, 14 caps) are expected to start. In attack, Cody Gakpo (Liverpool, 13 goals in 32 caps), Xavi Simons (Leipzig, 3 goals in 22 caps), and Joshua Zirkzee (Manchester United, 1 goal in 3 caps) will be looking to make an impact.

 

Match Prediction

Germany has seen only one goalless draw in their last 20 away matches in the UEFA Nations League. While they’ve been involved in a few scoreless games, goals have been scored in seven of their last eight home matches.

Prediction: Germany 2-1 Netherlands.