Spain Aims to Ignite the Fireworks at Mestalla

Spain's national team arrived in Valencia, a city renowned for its pyrotechnic secrets, ready to emulate one of those famous mascletás with goals and good football. Six years after a hard-fought victory against Norway, thanks to a Panenka penalty by Sergio Ramos on the road to the Euro 2021, La Roja returns to Mestalla aiming to eliminate the Netherlands and reach the Nations League 'final four'. This would provide a reason for celebration in a city still reeling from a tragedy of historic proportions.

The memory of the 224 deceased and three missing due to the dana that ravaged Valencia on October 29 last year adds an emotional layer to the match. It will serve as a tribute to the victims and those affected, with various acts culminating before the game, where only a win will suffice for Luis de la Fuente's team to defend their throne seized in June 2023.

Spain approaches the quarter-final resolution with the home advantage but needs to adjust to improve from their performance in Rotterdam. Despite an early lead, the Spanish team showed a lackluster display, contributing to the Dutch comeback at Feyenoord's ground. Mikel Merino's goal saved the day in injury time, extending their unbeaten streak to 22 official matches. However, the reigning European champions must step up to avoid derailment against a Dutch side stung by Nico Williams' comments at De Kuip.

Although Athletic's young star later clarified his prediction that Spain would outplay the Dutch in Valencia, his words have added fuel to the fire since La Roja denied the Netherlands glory in the 2010 World Cup final. Despite the Dutch avenging with a 5-1 win in Brazil four years later, the tension remains high. The Rotterdam tifo featuring Robin Van Persie's iconic goal against Iker Casillas aimed to rub salt in Spain's wounds, and Williams' remarks have intensified the atmosphere around this clash.

De la Fuente will be without Ayoze, suspended for yellow card accumulation, and Cubarsí, who left to recover from an ankle injury. However, Ferran Torres returns, motivated to make an impact on home soil. With Huijsen likely partnering Le Normand in defense after his impressive debut, Dani Olmo and Merino vie for a starting spot, potentially replacing Pedri and Fabián.

It will also be a special occasion for Ronald Koeman, returning to a stadium where he left a mixed legacy. The current Dutch coach took charge of Valencia on October 31, 2007, but his tenure was tumultuous. Poor results and clashes with key players led to his dismissal in April the following year. He left with a Copa del Rey but without the fans' support. Now, he returns aiming to complete the job thwarted by Mikel Merino's goal in Rotterdam.

Hato's red card, preceding the late goal by the Spaniard, and Timber's absence due to illness will force Koeman to reshuffle the left-back position. Two players, yet to debut for the Oranje, are in contention: Youri Baas, an Ajax centre-back also capable on the left, and the speedy Ian Maatsen, who moved from Borussia Dortmund to Aston Villa last summer.

Spain: Unai Simón, Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella, Zubimendi, Merino, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, and Morata.

Netherlands: Verbruggen, Geertruida, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Baas, De Jong, Reijnders, Frimpong, Kluivert, Gakpo, and Memphis.

Referee: Clément Turpin (France)

Time: 20:45 h.

Stadium: Mestalla.

TV: La 1.