New Stars Shine: Maatsen’s Debut for Oranje & Huijsen’s Spain Challenge

Oranje Lineup: Maatsen Makes Debut

The lineup for the Dutch national team is official. Ian Maatsen, who was called up after Jorrel Hato’s red card earlier this week, will start as a left back. This marks his first appearance for the national team.

Coach Ronald Koeman has opted for the same players as he did in their previous match on Thursday.

Huijsen in the Starting Eleven for Spain

Dean Huijsen will take the field for Spain, stepping in for Pau Cubarsí, who was injured last Thursday. This marks Huijsen’s first start for the Spanish national team, having made his debut at the Kuip.

Additionally, Coach Luis de la Fuente has made several changes to the starting eleven. Dani Olmo replaces Pedri, Mikel Oyarzabal comes in for Álvaro Morata, and Óscar Mingueza takes the place of Pedro Porro.

Stadium Filled with Fans

Currently, the stadium is empty, with only photographers and stewards present. However, during the match, all 49,430 seats will be filled, according to UEFA. The game in Valencia will indeed be a full house.

Among the attendees, it is estimated that 2,300 fans will be traveling from the Netherlands, as reported by the KNVB. This is a significant presence for the away supporters.

Hiddink Returns to Valencia: “Wonderful!”

Guus Hiddink is also in attendance at Mestalla tonight. The former head coach of the Dutch national team has previously managed Valencia from 1991 to 1994. He spoke with reporter Jeroen Stekelenburg in the Dutch locker room.

KNVB Supports Spanish Clubs Affected by Flooding

The match today is also dedicated to the victims of the flooding that severely impacted Valencia in October 2024, resulting in the loss of 224 lives. The KNVB is making a gesture of support.

KNVB President Frank Paauw will present a €10,000 check to the Spanish Football Federation before the match. Additionally, it has been confirmed that the proceeds from the match will be donated to the victims of the flooding.

New Rules: No Away Goals Count Double

In recent years, the UEFA has abolished the “away goals rule” in its competitions. Therefore, in the semifinals of the Nations League, away goals will not be used as a tiebreaker in the event of a draw.

Following the 2-2 draw from Thursday’s match, any tie this evening, regardless of the number of goals scored, will lead to extra time. If the score remains level after extra time, the game will move to a penalty shootout.

Thousands of Fans Await the Spanish Bus

The match between Spain and the Netherlands in the Nations League quarter-finals is generating significant excitement in Valencia. Approximately two hours before kickoff, thousands of fans gathered outside Estadio Mestalla to witness the arrival of the Spanish team bus.

Memphis Depay Approaching Milestone

If Memphis Depay plays against Spain tonight, as anticipated, he will reach a significant milestone, becoming the tenth player to earn 100 caps for the Dutch national team. The current players who have reached that mark are:

The Significance of Tonight’s Match at Mestalla

Tonight, the Netherlands will face Spain at Estadio Mestalla in Valencia. This stadium was chosen in light of the severe flooding that impacted the Valencia region in the fall of 2024, and the match serves as a remembrance for those lost in the natural disaster.

It’s not often that the Spanish national team plays in this iconic stadium known for its steep terraces. The first match here took place in 1925, and tonight marks only the 33rd occasion. Given plans for a new stadium, it may be one of the last opportunities to experience a match at this venue.

This ‘old’ stadium is familiar territory for Ronald Koeman, who managed here in the 2007/08 season, as well as Justin Kluivert, who played here during the 2022/23 season.