Ronald Koeman is satisfied with the Nations League draw. The national coach saw the Dutch team linked to Germany, Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday. In advance, a place in the first two certainly seems feasible for the Dutch team. Koeman is wary of the opponents, but knows that his team could have had a harder time.

“Take a country like Hungary, which did not end up in Division A for nothing,” Koeman told reporters Our the Dutch. “They have been doing very well with the national team in recent years. That will definitely not be an easy task.” In the previous edition of the Nations League, Hungary finished second in a group with Italy (group winner), Germany and England.

“We know Germany very well, of course. These are always great matches and we will practice against them in March. Finally, Bosnia and Herzegovina, which we played against a few years ago in the Nations League. We currently know a little less about that. of, but they are not in Division A for nothing. That means that you have to take every country seriously.”

The Dutch team took on Bosnia twice in the Nations League in 2020. The Netherlands won 3-1 at home, the score was 0-0 away. Koeman says he is enjoying the Nations League. “Creating the Nations League has been a great idea. You are now really playing for something.”

“We reached the final round in two previous editions. That's what we're aiming for again. And then we ultimately want to win. We're going for that.” In the first final round, the Dutch team lost the final to host country Portugal. The final round in their own country last summer was a big disappointment with defeats against Croatia (2-4 nv) and Italy (2-3).

Unlike previous times, this time there will be quarter-finals. As a result, the two best teams from each group in Division A qualify for the quarter-finals. The winners qualify for the final round, the Final Four.

All in all, Koeman is satisfied with the draw. “It could have been worse,” the national coach refers to the group consisting of Italy, Belgium, France and Israel. The group matches will be played in September, October and November.

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