Nations League: the Netherlands Promises to be a Tougher Opponent than Germany

Hungarian national team head coach Marco Rossi says Friday’s opponents, the Netherlands, are even stronger than Germany, who defeated our team 5-0 in the UEFA Nations League in September. “In the last two years, since September 2022, we h

By: hungarytoday.hu

Oct 11 2024
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Nations League: the Netherland

Hungarian national team head coach Marco Rossi says Friday’s opponents, the Netherlands, are even stronger than Germany, who defeated our team 5-0 in the UEFA Nations League in September.

“In the last two years, since September 2022, we have lost a total of four games, with Ireland being the exception because the winning goal was scored from our position, but we were in control throughout. That was an unlucky meeting. Two of the other three defeats were to Germany and one to Switzerland, who are in the top 15 in the world rankings. The Netherlands are seventh, thus you do not have to be Einstein to know that we are in for a particularly tough encounter.

You only have to look at where their football players play, and based on that, the Netherlands are probably stronger than Germany,”

the Italian head coach stressed at a press conference.

Marco Rossi. Photo: MTI/Illyés Tibor

The 60-year-old coach noted that he expects the rivals to dominate, to seek possession and to dictate the tempo. “We have to defend well, not concede space in midfield. When we have a chance, we have to attack quickly,” Rossi added.

As for the return of former team captain Ádám Szalai, he said his impression so far was positive. It is a new situation for him, there are dynamics that he still needs to understand, but he is available to the players and the professional staff.

Fact

The position of assistant coach is now held by the former captain of the national team, Ádám Szalai. The striker, who has scored goals in two European Championships and played for more than 10 years in the German Bundesliga, was the national team head coach’s first choice for the post. His predecessor, Zsolt Laczkó, left after recently taking charge of the first team of Budapest Honvéd FC.

Training of the national football team. Photo: MTI/Kovács Tamás

National team player Zsolt Nagy stressed that Ádám Szalai has the same attitude as a coach as a football player, he pays attention to everything and motivates everyone.

About Friday’s clash, he emphasized: “You have to pay attention to everything, because even if everyone does their best, it is going to be a very difficult match. If we can work together as a team, maybe we can get a good result, which in this case would mean more than just winning,” said the Puskás Akadémia player, who stressed that they have proven that they can also perform against top teams if they together.

The match at the sold-out Puskás Arena will kick off at 9.45 p.m.

According to MTI, the Hungarian starting team is expected to consist of: Dénes Dibusz, Attila Fiola, Willi Orbán, Márton Dárdai, Bendegúz Bolla, Ándrás Schäfer, Ádám Nagy, Zsolt Nagy, Kevin Csoboth, Dominik Szoboszlai, Barnabás Varga.

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