The 2023 Nations League finals kick off tonight with Rotterdam hosting a clash between two of Europe’s strongest sides. The Dutch and the Croats meet in this semi-final tie with both teams looking to build on strong showings at the World Cup.
It has been a rough few years for the Oranje and Ronald Koeman saw his side smashed by France in the spring having reached the quarter-finals in Qatar, where they were heartbreakingly dumped out on penalties by Argentina. Croatia, meanwhile, finished third and have since started Euro 2024 qualification brightly.
Memphis Depay and Matthijs de Ligt are the big absentees for the Netherlands while Josko Gvardiol misses out for the visitors, with a few surprises in the team news. Either Spain or Italy await in Sunday’s final in the third edition of the UEFA Nations League. And you can follow the Netherlands vs Croatia LIVE via Standard Sport’s matchday blog!
Live updates
17 mins: Netherlands 0-0 Croatia
Croatia’s spell of pressure ends with a loose touch by Kovacic and a handful of studs landing on Wieffer’s shin as he lunges at the ball.
It looks worse than it is, he did get a fair amount of the top of the ball and was on the stretch.
That’s a booking! More overzealous refereeing to keep us on our toes…
14 mins: Netherlands 0-0 Croatia
Simons pulled up for an accidental hand to the face of Juranovic.
A foul, nothing more, with the right-back taking a moment on the turf.
Moments later, another touch of over exuberance as his third foul of the night is given against him. Two were soft, to be fair.
11 mins: Netherlands 0-0 Croatia
Sutalo hooks clear Simons’ cross as the Netherlands up the ante a bit more.
It’s got a good chance to look at the young midfielder, who is wanted by Arsenal but unlikely to play wide on the left if he does take the hop to north London this summer.
PSV have played him both on the flanks and centrally this season.
9 mins: Netherlands 0-0 Croatia
Malen escapes down the right for the Oranje’s first proper attack of the day. Yet, his cross is deflected out for a corner from a promising position.
Wieffer wants handball as his flicked header is blocked from the set piece. No dice.
Replays confirm it head Kovacic on the head.
7 mins: Netherlands 0-0 Croatia
The visitors are in a fair bit of control early on but Simons, putting the pressure on, gives away a foul as the Dutch press begins to take effect. A bit of a harsh one, too.
4 mins: Netherlands 0-0 Croatia
Van Dijk and Kramaric go at it again as the Croatian striker wins a corner, despite calls for a goal kick from the home side.
A neat short corner routine nearly finds Kovacic from a lovely Modric ball but Gakpo does really nicely to get himself between the man and the ball. Goal kick.
2 mins: Netherlands 0-0 Croatia
Early words from the referee to Van Dijk for a late and high foot that went through the back of Kramaric. A bit later in the game, that might have been a card…
Netherlands vs Croatia: KICK-OFF!
Here. We. Go.
The 2023 Nations League finals are underway. Tonight we shall witness either the Netherlands or Croatia reach the final!
The Dutch anthem is warmly received
Lots and lots of Oranje in the stands tonight.
Time for the final pre-match formalities and we’ll begin.
Time for the national anthems
A whopping 14,000 Croatian fans are in De Kuip for this one – and they truly belt out their anthem.
