Spain Faces the “Cursed Team” Netherlands
Spain are the world champions and European champions, but despite all of this, the Netherlands, or the “cursed team,” has historically had the upper hand over them.
Before their first encounter in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals, the Netherlands has won 6 of the 12 matches they have played against Spain, with 4 losses and 2 draws. They haven’t lost to Spain in their last three encounters, winning two and drawing one.
Even during Spain’s golden era, the Dutch didn’t lose to them in four encounters, with the exception of the 2010 World Cup final.
It is true that the host team, the Netherlands (the match is scheduled for next Sunday), has only lost to the strong Germany in the group stage of the continental competition, but Spain holds the advantage. Spain has only failed to score once in their six matches, winning five of them and conceding only four goals, making them the team with the strongest defense.
In this clash between Spain and the Netherlands, the latter being the 2019 runner-up, “La Roja” (the Red Fury), under the management of coach Luis de la Fuente, will seek their third consecutive title, after the 2023 Nations League and the 2024 European Championship.
De la Fuente’s squad includes a range of talented young players, with standout stars like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, alongside experienced and effective players such as Dani Olmo and the veteran captain Álvaro Morata.
The winner of this match will meet the winner of the other quarterfinal between France, the 2021 Nations League champions, and Croatia, the runner-up in the latest edition, in the semifinals.
Spain has achieved remarkable results in this edition, finishing top of Group 4 in League A without losing a single match, winning five and drawing one of their six games.
On the other hand, the Netherlands didn’t perform at their best in the group stage, finishing second in Group 3 behind Germany, after securing only two wins, three draws, and one loss.
Spain’s last win over the Netherlands was in the 2014 World Cup final, where they triumphed 1-0 and claimed the title.
Other Matchups
In addition to the strong quarterfinal encounter between Italy and Germany tomorrow, France will face Croatia. France advanced to this stage after topping Group 2 in League A, securing four wins, one draw, and one loss. Meanwhile, Croatia qualified by finishing second in Group 1, winning two matches, drawing two, and losing two.
The round also features a strong matchup between Denmark and Portugal, with Denmark advancing from second place in Group 4 after winning two matches, drawing two, and losing two. Portugal topped Group 1 after avoiding defeat in all six of their matches, winning four and drawing two.
Eight other matches will take place tomorrow, Thursday, in the advancement and relegation playoff stage of the competition, with the return legs scheduled for next Sunday.
The teams playing include Armenia vs. Georgia, Turkey vs. Hungary, Austria vs. Serbia, Greece vs. Scotland, Slovakia vs. Slovenia, Bulgaria vs. Ireland, Ukraine vs. Belgium, and Kosovo vs. Iceland.
With the thrilling UEFA Nations League quarterfinals underway, Betway emerges as the top online betting site in Bahrain, providing unbeatable odds and a smooth, user-friendly betting experience for football enthusiasts.
