UEFA Nations League 2020/21: Poland vs Netherlands – tactical analysis

Poland and the Netherlands met in a pivotal UEFA Nations League match Wednesday night, with potential Nations League Finals implications. If Italy had lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the winner of this contest would have advanced to the tournament Final. The Eagles had gone five total matches unbeaten before losing to Italy three days before. The Netherlands were on a similar run of four matches unbeaten, including draws against Italy and Spain and a recent victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. This tactical analysis will examine the strategies of both sides and how the visitors were able to overcome Poland’s initial lead.

Lineups

Poland manager Jerzy Brzęczek sent out an overall sound starting lineup. Łukasz Fabiański started in goal over Wojciech Szczęsny. The back four was led by centre-backs Kamil Glik and Jan Bednarek, with a midfield line of Przemyslaw Płacheta, Mateusz Klich, Grzegorz Krychowiak, Piotr Zieliński, and Kamil Jóźwiak ahead of them. Bayern Munich talisman Robert Lewandowski continued his ever-present influence at striker.

In his fifth match in charge of Oranje, Frank De Boer made four changes on account of this being the nation’s third match in a week. Hans Hateboer and Patrick van Aanholt initially began the match as the full-backs, with Denzel Dumfries and Owen Wijndal dropping to the bench.  Daley Blind, who started the previous match, held his starting spot in the backline beside Stefan de Vrij in lieu of the injured Virgil van Dijk. The dynamic three-man midfield of Davy Klaassen, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Frenkie de Jong remained constant. Young wingers Calvin Stengs and Donyell Malen were the other two new starters in place of Steven Berghuis and Luuk de Jong.