Amsterdam opens the new UEFA Nations League night with an unusual touch of managerial theatre: Xavi Hernández begins his Netherlands tenure at the Johan Cruyff Arena, while Jürgen Klopp takes charge of Germany for the first time. Their Group A2 meeting leads a 20:45 CET programme spread from Scandinavia to Lisbon.
Quick facts
- Netherlands host Germany in Amsterdam in the opening round of Nations League group matches.
- Norway face Denmark, while Portugal welcome Wales, all kicking off at 20:45 CET.
- Serbia play Greece, Austria meet Israel, Kosovo take on Ireland, and Liechtenstein face Lithuania at the same time.
- Erling Haaland starts for Norway; Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken publicly about the criticism he receives.
The Netherlands begin with Bart Verbruggen in goal and Virgil van Dijk as captain. Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Van Dijk and Micky van de Ven make up the defence, with Jurrien Timber, Ryan Gravenberch and Tijjani Reijnders in midfield.
Samuel Summerville, Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey form the Dutch attack for Xavi’s first match in charge.
Germany’s debut Klopp selection is led by captain Joshua Kimmich. Marc-André ter Stegen starts behind a back four of Jan-Niklas Treu, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah and Nathaniel Brown.
Felix Nmecha partners Kimmich in midfield, with Karim Adeyemi, Jamal Musiala and Kevin Schade supporting Kai Havertz in the forward line.
Nordic contest in Norway
Norway have named Ørjan Nyland in goal for Denmark’s visit. Julian Ryerson, Kristoffer Ajer, Torbjørn Heggem and David Møller Wolfe are selected across the back line.
Sander Berge, Patrick Berg and captain Martin Ødegaard occupy the midfield positions. Oscar Bobb and Antonio Nusa join Haaland in a front three.
Denmark start Filip Jörgensen in goal, with Rasmus Kristensen, Jannik Vestergaard Provstgaard, Joachim Andersen and Joakim Maehle in defence. Morten Hjulmand and captain Pierre-Emile Højbjerg are the central pair.
Patrick Dorgu, Victor Froholdt and Mikkel Damsgaard will operate behind striker Rasmus Højlund.
Portugal and the wider night
Portugal’s home match with Wales is part of the same evening slate. Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41, has addressed the scrutiny around him during an appearance at the Portugal Football Summit.
He said he could not be “completely honest” because he had to remain politically correct, while insisting he has generally been warmly received. Ronaldo added that this had been one of the years in which he had felt the greatest affection, though he believes some media outlets want to “kill” him — “but only with a shotgun”.
Across the continent, the first Nations League fixtures will set the early order in their respective groups, with Amsterdam providing the most prominent opening stage.
