MATCH PREVIEWS

Netherlands vs Spain: A Nations League Clash Under the Amsterdam Lights!

The UEFA Nations League is serving up a heavyweight showdown as the Netherlands welcomes Spain to the Amsterdam Arena on March 20. With a long gap since their last international outings, both teams will be eager to make a statement on the big stage.

Key Stats to Know

Dutch Firepower at Home: The Netherlands have been handling business on home turf, boasting 5 wins, 2 draws, and just 2 losses in their last 9 outings. They are scoring for fun, averaging 2.67 goals per game (xG: 1.77), but their defence has looked a bit leaky, conceding 1.11 goals per match (xGA: 1.41). 

Spain’s Away-Day Dominance: Spain are not intimidated by a little travel. They are undefeated in their last 4 away matches (3W, 1D), with a defence that has been practically airtight, allowing only 0.5 goals per game (xGA: 0.95). Up front, they have been clinical, netting 1.75 goals per match (xG: 1.5), and Fabián Ruiz has been heating up with 4 goals this campaign, including 2 in his last 5 outings.

Betting Suggestions

This one has all the ingredients for a high-scoring thriller. A 2-2 draw at 13.0 looks tempting, given both teams’ attacking potency. If you fancy the Dutch at home, they are priced at 3.05 to take the win. Spain are a good side, but the Netherlands will have the crowd behind them, making this an unpredictable contest.

Italy vs Germany: A Nations League Battle at the Stadio Olimpico!

The UEFA Nations League heats up as Italy hosts Germany at the Stadio Olimpico. Neither side is setting the competition alight, but with both teams eager to make a statement, this matchup promises fireworks.

Key Stats to Know

Italy’s Home Comforts: The Azzurri have been strong at home, winning 4 of their last 7 matches at the Olimpico while drawing 2 and losing just 1. They are averaging 1.71 goals per game (xG: 1.6), showing efficiency in attack. However, their defence has looked vulnerable, conceding 1.14 goals per game despite an xGA of just 0.78. Davide Frattesi is in red-hot form with 3 goals in his last 5 outings, making him one to watch.

Germany’s Inconsistent Away Form: Germany have struggled to find consistency on the road, recording 2 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss in their last 6. Their attack has underperformed, scoring 1.5 goals per game despite an xG of 2.12. They have been shaky defensively, conceding 1.17 goals per game (xGA: 1.26). The absence of Robin Koch, Deniz Undav, and Mario Götze could be a problem, but Jamal Musiala remains a major threat with 5 goals this season.

Betting Suggestion

This one looks like a tight contest. A 1-1 draw at 6.0 feels like the best value pick, given both teams’ tendencies to cancel each other out.

WTF?

👀 This 77-Year-Old Coach Is Still Getting Job Offers

Dick Advocaat, the Dutch coaching legend who's seen more dugouts than most people have had hot dinners, just revealed he turned down Cardiff City's manager job. Yes, at SEVENTY-SEVEN years old.

The former Netherlands head coach (who's currently coaching checks notes Curacao) said Cardiff made an "informal approach," but his family finally put their foot down. Apparently, they thought managing a Championship relegation battle at 77 might be a bit much. Who knew?

Quick hits:

• He's already committed to Curacao until 2026 (when he'll be 78!)

• Cardiff is currently hovering just above relegation

• Advocaat's last UK stint was saving Sunderland from relegation in 2015

• He's managed EIGHT different national teams in his 45-year career

Bottom line: While most septuagenarians are perfecting their gardens or mastering crosswords, Advocaat is still getting calls for rescue missions. Maybe it's time to rename him Dick "Never Too Old" Advocaat. 👴⚽️

DID YOU KNOW?

🤔 Before Total Football, Total Failure

Before the Dutch became total football wizards, they had what we'll politely call a learning experience. Back in 1907, they travelled to a chilly Darlington, England, for what turned into the Netherlands' most brutal defeat ever: a 12-2 thrashing by England's amateur team.

Some wild stats from this vintage beatdown:

• Harry Stapley went full video game mode with FIVE goals

• Two other English players (Woodward & Bell) casually dropped hat-tricks

• About 10,000 fans showed up to witness the massacre

• The Dutch were already down 5-1 at halftime (spoiler: it got worse)

• Poor Cas Ruffelse scored both Dutch goals (at least someone showed up)

The real kicker? This wasn't even England's first team - these were their AMATEURS. Talk about a glow-up for the Netherlands, who went from this nightmare to becoming one of football's most stylish powerhouses. Sometimes, you've got to crawl before you can Total Football. 🇳🇱

MEME OF THE DAY

At least no player dribbled past him.

WHO WILL WIN?