Hungary vs. Netherlands: Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

The Netherlands have a lot of amusement to deliver when they travel to Budapest for their UEFA Nations League match against Hungary on Friday, following two high-scoring contests in September.

Oranje are currently in second place in League A Group 3 following the first round, while their hapless opponents are at the bottom of the standings after earning only one point from their first two matches.

Previous Matches and Head to head

In the inaugural Nations League game of 2024-25, the Netherlands responded to their devastating Euro 2024 semi-final exit to England by scoring five past a hapless Bosnia-Herzegovina, even though Ollie Watkins may still haunt the nightmares of Ronald Koeman and co.

In the subsequent heavyweight match against Germany, Tiijani Reijnders scored in the second minute, and Deniz Undav and Joshua Kimmich scored. However, Denzel Dumfries secured a 2-2 draw for the Netherlands.

The Netherlands and Germany are currently tied on both overall and head-to-head points. However, Oranje's inferior goal difference necessitates that they settle for second place in Group 3, a position that would still qualify them for the quarterfinals.

The Netherlands are now 36 years past their sole major tournament victory at Euro 1988, and they are long overdue for another opportunity to achieve international success. They were defeated semifinalists in the 2022-23 edition after finishing as runners-up to Portugal in the inaugural 2018-19 competition.

Due to their exceptional Nations League away record, the Dutch will be well-prepared for this week's match. Despite failing to win any of their first five tournament games on the road, they have since won their last four, scoring multiple goals in each game.

Hungary, previously part of League C during the inaugural Nations League iteration, is currently engaged in their second consecutive season of top-tier football. They could maintain their League A status in the 2022-23 incarnation.

The Magyars' 2024 campaign was similarly short-lived, despite a last-gasp victory over Scotland, as Germany and Switzerland defeated them in the 'Group of Death'. This exceptional performance followed an applaudable Euro 2020 campaign.

Hungary has not yet discovered their shooting form in the Nations League, as they have only managed a goalless draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina on matchday two, following a 5-0 defeat by Germany in the opening match of the Euro 2024.

Hungary is presently occupying the final position in the League A Group 3 standings, as the Bosnians were able to score last month. This would result in an automatic relegation to tier two for the upcoming cycle.

Nevertheless, Marco Rossi's team has amassed an impressive run of home victories, with nine wins and two draws in their most recent 11 games. This is a sliver of solace as they prepare to face a team they previously encountered in a 2013 World Cup qualifier, where they were defeated 8-1.

Hungary x Netherlands Team News

Jurrien Timber and Nathan Ake, who were both on the field for Arsenal and Manchester City during the previous month's fixtures, are currently unavailable for the Netherlands. Additionally, Juventus' Teun Koopmeiners withdrew post-squad announcement.

During Monday's press conference, Koeman emphasized that Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven are more than capable of forming a starting lineup; however, he has yet to have the opportunity to do so.

Nevertheless, the central tandem may eventually appear on Friday, with Manchester United's Matthijs de Ligt potentially being replaced after a pair of error-filled performances for the Red Devils.

In the interim, Hungary manager Rossi has assembled an additional roster of recognizable names for the upcoming October matches. However, RB Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi is not included in this list, as the 34-year-old has elected not to represent his country this time.

The absence of Gulacsi has resulted in the call-up of Balazs Toth, an uncapped shot-stopper from Blackburn Rovers. However, Denes Dibusz, a goalkeeper for Ferencvaros, is expected to don the gloves on Friday. Captain Dominik Szoboszlai will face off against some of his Liverpool compatriots that day.

Toth is one of two Championship-based players anticipating their senior Hungary debuts on Friday. The other player is 23-year-old Kornel Szucs, a defender for Plymouth Argyle.

Our Predictions

Netherlands to win @ 1.64 on Sky247.ng

Van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch are likely to be more knowledgeable about neutralizing Szoboszlai than anyone else, and Hungary has yet to present a significant challenge upfront for several months. Therefore, the Netherlands should be able to handle Budapest.

Even though Koeman's squad is currently not as robust as it could be, it is still feasible for Oranje to emerge as comfortable victors before their significant match against Germany next week.

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