NOS Voetbal•vandaag, 20:51
National coach Nagelsmann expects an ‘intense’ match between the Netherlands and Germany
No, German national coach Julian Nagelsmann has no idea who scored on behalf of the Netherlands in the 1974 World Cup final in Munich. With a smile, the 37-year-old Germany coach says: “I wasn’t born yet, so I didn’t see the match.”
The answer is of course: Johan Neeskens. The former midfielder of Ajax and FC Barcelona died last week and will be honored on Monday evening during the international match between Germany and the Netherlands. The stakes in the Bayern Munich stadium are the top position in group 3 of Division A and a place in the quarter-finals of the Nations League.
Neeskens was also “a famous player” in Germany, says Nagelsmann. “It’s always sad to lose such important football players.”
Then, about the match between the neighboring countries: “I hope we don’t concede a goal so early again like in Amsterdam.” In September, both countries drew 2-2 in a high-quality match.
Nagelsmann: “I hope we can control the game a little better from the start. After the 2-2, both teams went for the win. But we had the better chances. It was a difficult game.”
Germany-Netherlands live at NOS
The Nations League match against Germany (Monday 8:45 PM) can be followed live on NOS. The match can be seen on NPO 3, NOS.nl and the NOS app. The preview starts at 8:20 PM.
The competition can also be followed via a live blog on NOS.nl and in the NOS app and via Along the Line and Surrounding Areas on NPO Radio 1. The competitions for the blind and visually impaired on NPO 1 extra (channel 81) are also provided with audio description.
Both Germany and the Netherlands lack important forces. On the German side, the third game of this year against the Dutch team comes too early for the injured Jamal Musiala, Niclas Füllkrug and Kai Havertz. The Netherlands misses the suspended Virgil van Dijk and of course players such as Frenkie de Jong and Jerdy Schouten.
Nevertheless, he thinks it will be a fun match. “Players from the Netherlands and Germany like to attack and want to score goals. Yes, then it always becomes interesting and intense. Both countries like to play in the opponent’s half.”
Praise for Brobbey
Nagelsmann brought Brian Brobbey to RB Leipzig in 2021, just before the trainer left for Bayern Munich. “Brian is a strong striker, very difficult to play against. He did well in the previous match against us. It was difficult to defend him.”
“We’re not sure if he’ll start, but I think he will. Tomorrow we have a slightly different plan to combat him.”
That plan is called Antonio Rüdiger, the robust defender of Real Madrid.
Rudiger: ‘I’m looking forward to playing against Brobbey’
The Real Madrid defender himself is very much looking forward to playing against Brobbey. “Brobbey is physically very strong. As a defender I like a physical battle. And so does he. That could be interesting.”
Of course, the Germans now want to win against their eternal rival, says Rüdiger. “We always play for the win. But the teams are very equal. And given the history, the rivalry between the Dutch and German teams, this is always an entertaining match, with great players and a lot of talent. This way the history continues.”
Baumann under the bar for Germany
Oliver Baumann will be in goal for Germany against the Netherlands on Monday evening. The 34-year-old goalkeeper of TSG 1899 Hoffenheim has been in the selection of his national team for four years, but has not yet played an international match. He was Germany’s third goalkeeper for a long time, after the now retired Manuel Neuer and the currently injured Marc-André ter Stegen.
Nagelsmann announced that he will probably change his starting XI for the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in three positions. Angelo Stiller and Alexander Pavlovic also get a starting spot in midfield.
