While the enthusiastic Oranje fans in the stands at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam cheered their team after an impressive victory, coach Xavi Hernández almost took the 7-0 spectacle against Greece for granted. “I wasn’t surprised because things were going very well in training,” said the Bond coach after the goal festival on matchday five of the Nations League.
The Dutch media was much more euphoric. The NOS broadcaster described the success over Greece as a “monster victory”. The newspaper “de Volkskrant” wrote of a “rousing show”. The Dutch-speaking “Het Nieuwsblad” from Belgium felt sorry for the Oranje opponent and described the outcome of the game as a “Greek tragedy”.
Midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who replaced the injured Virgil van Dijk as captain, "definitely enjoyed the game. I hope everyone enjoyed it, including the people at home."
In any case, after the gala performance by three-packer Tijjani Reijnders and ex-Dortmunder Donyell Malen, who scored the final score and prepared two more goals, the Netherlands seem to be ready for the group final on Monday against national coach Jürgen Klopp's DFB selection in Berlin (8.45 p.m., in the WELT sports ticker).
"It will be difficult to maintain this level in general, and especially against Germany. I want to enjoy it now and we'll see tomorrow," said Xavi.
After the home win, Oranje leads the group in the Nations League with a three-point lead over Greece and Germany. A draw is enough for the Netherlands to securely advance to the quarter-finals, which will be played in a two-legged tie in March. Due to the outstanding goal difference in a direct comparison with Germany and Greece, the Elftal should allow themselves a defeat with a difference of 13 goals.
“But we just want to win and play well,” said Xavi, despite the comfortable starting position. Because it's all about prestige in the classic against Germany. “It’s always a special game,” emphasized de Jong.
German national coach Jürgen Klopp no longer has to do complicated calculations after the 3-1 win in Serbia. Qualification for the quarter-finals in Group 2 is guaranteed if there is further success in the prestigious duel with the Netherlands. These are the scenarios for the German team in the fight for a knockout ticket.
Germany qualified for the quarter-finals as group winners
With a win against the Netherlands if Greece doesn't win against Serbia.
With a win against the Netherlands by at least five goals.
The advantage: As group winners, Germany would play against a group runner-up in the quarter-finals. You would probably avoid top opponents such as world champions Spain, France or Portugal.
Germany qualified for the quarter-finals as second in the group
With every win by a maximum of four goals ahead of the Netherlands.
With a draw against the Netherlands if Greece loses to Serbia.
Germany came third in the group and missed the quarter-finals
In a defeat against the Netherlands.
In a draw against the Netherlands, if Greece scores against Serbia.
