We’re kicking off with a fantastic match

A new season of the UEFA Nations League awaits us. For the first time, we’ll be witnessing such a long international break; teams will play exactly four matches each during this break, meaning that more than half of the six-match group stage will take place during this period. On the opening night of the Nations League – which for teams that fell short of expectations in the last tournament and are keen to catch up with Spain, the reigning European and World Cup champions, also means saying goodbye to some players and bringing new ones into the fold – a thoroughly entertaining match awaits us. The rivalry between these two 1974 World Cup finalists actually dates back to the Second World War, when Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands. In the 1970s, the ‘Oranges’—who introduced the philosophy of ‘Total Football’ to the world with an approach far more modern than the football of the day—suffered a severe blow when they lost the final at the Munich Olympic Stadium, having taken the lead with a very early goal. It took 14 years for Cruyff and his teammates to secure a rematch against Beckenbauer and his team following that defeat.

The Netherlands, winners of Euro ’88

West Germany, hosting the European Championship 14 years after the 1974 World Cup, had little trouble progressing through the group stage of the eight-team tournament. After drawing with Italy and defeating Denmark and Spain, the ‘Panzers’—who had topped their group—faced an unexpected result in the semi-final against the Netherlands, who had finished second in the other group. Although West Germany took the lead this time through a penalty from Matthaus, a penalty from Koeman and a subsequent goal from Van Basten in the final 16 minutes would see the Netherlands first reach the final and then be crowned champions. When they were crowned European Champions at the Munich Olympic Stadium, they faced the Soviet Union. Following two of the most iconic matches in this rivalry, the contest continues at full speed. In the 2024–25 Nations League season, the two teams—once again drawn in the same group—drew 2–2 in Amsterdam, whilst Germany emerged victorious 1–0 in Munich. For those keen to join the Oranje in their bid to turn this run of form around – having failed to beat the Panzers in four matches, including friendlies – tickets for the Netherlands v Germany match are available on Seatpin.

Netherlands v Germany

Jurgen Klopp, who shocked the football world by stepping down as manager at Liverpool during what was perhaps his most successful period, is returning to the profession two years later. Following Germany’s fiasco against Paraguay in the last 32 of the World Cup and the subsequent parting of ways with Nagelsmann, Klopp’s name immediately sprang to mind. Having returned to management in response to overwhelming demand, Klopp is set to inject a new dynamic into the rivalry between the national teams. If you’re keen to be at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam for Klopp’s first match in charge of the German national team, you should definitely attend the Netherlands v Germany match.