Netherlands vs Croatia LIVE! Nations League match stream, latest score and goal updates today
The 2023 Nations League finals kick off tonight with Rotterdam hosting a clash between two of Europe’s strongest sides and it is the Dutch who hold the lead at half time via Donyell Malen.
A scrappy first half led to plenty of action in the fouls column of the stats, if very little in the shots or goals column. Croatia have threatened without testing the goalkeeper, although Luka Modric had a goal chalked off for a clear foul by Mario Pasalic on Nathan Ake.
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
GGGOOOAAALL!!!! Netherlands 1-1 Croatia | Kramaric, 55′
EASY!
53mins: Netherlands 1-0 Croatia
PENALTY TO CROATIA!
Modric nicks in ahead of Gakpo and is hauled to the turf (a little softly) inside the Dutch box and the referee points to the spot!
A very wily win of the foul from the most experienced of players…
52 mins: Netherlands 1-0 Croatia
A good knockdown from Pasalic sparks a move for Croatia, which looks to have ended as a lot is asked of Juranovic in chasing a ball to the corner flag.
Not only does he catch up to it, he beats Ake to set up a chance to cross! Van Dijk clears, however, and they eventually have to settle for a throw.
48 mins: Netherlands 1-0 Croatia
Kramaric races down the left and cuts in past Geertruida, firing just wide of the far post. It wouldn’t have counted though. Offside.
47 mins: Netherlands 1-0 Croatia
A pretty muted atmosphere in De Kuip as an early attack from the hosts fizzles out.
Croatia come down the left and Perisic finds out Bijlow with his cross. Getting the attacking full-back on the ball more is certainly a route to a leveller for them.
KICK-OFF! Netherlands 1-0 Croatia
No changes at the break in Rotterdam.
Here come the players!
Second half coming up…
All good for the Netherlands?
Not quite. It’s hardly been a convincing display from a midfield and frontline that lack any real fluidity.
Apart from the goal, there is plenty to be desired and perhaps we’ll see Noa Lang off the bench to add a bit of spark.
What can Croatia do to get back into the game?
As ever, Croatia’s issue is a lack of pace in attack with a frontman who just doesn’t have the all-round package to threaten top defences.
Andrej Kramaric certainly needs more support and perhaps Mario Pasalic will be sacrificed if things don’t improve. Petar Musa and Dion Dena Brejlo are two young forwards on the bench to mix things up.
Generally, though, they’ve had most of the ball and done alright.