Netherlands - Germany

Two new managers, one brand new cycle, and a fixture that neither of them can afford to lose. Jurgen Klopp takes charge of Germany for the first competitive time in Amsterdam, and across from him Xavi is starting his own reign with the Netherlands after the World Cup exit to Morocco cost Ronald Koeman the job. Debut matches between rebuilt sides are rarely the free flowing spectacle the fixture list promises. Look at what both coaches have actually had: a handful of training sessions, a squad with new faces and new instructions, and an opponent good enough to punish any mistake. Xavi has already made the biggest statement available to him by leaving out Memphis Depay, the all time leading scorer for the country, which tells you he is building something rather than just picking the best names. Germany are in the same position. The last meeting between them, in the 2024-25 edition of this competition, finished 1-0. That is the template for these occasions: cautious, tight, decided by one moment. Under three goals gives room for a 2-1 either way and only loses if the game breaks open completely. In the circumstances that feels like the less likely story.