Bosnia vs The Netherlands Analysis – Nations League 2024

Bosnia vs The Netherlands promised to be an exciting match. The Dutch, favored to win, were up against a Bosnia team led by Džeko, who always poses a significant threat. Bosnia lost 7-0 against Germany just 3 days ago, while The Netherlands won 4-0 against Hungary. With key players in top form, both teams looked to make an impact in this Nations League clash.

Bosnia vs The Netherlands: First Half Highlights

The Netherlands started with a completely different starting eleven compared to last Saturday against Hungary. Leaders like van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong left the camp early due to medical reasons. Players who have not played many minutes for the Netherlands before, got their chance today (Noa Lang, Justin Kluivert and Jorrel Hato for example).

Bosnia Herzegovina started with mostly the same players as against Germany, with the biggest difference in Edin Džeko. This match against The Netherlands was likely Edin Džeko’s final appearance for the Bosnian national team. The 38-year-old captain has been a cornerstone of Bosnia’s success for over a decade, known for his leadership, clinical finishing, and dedication to his country. As fans celebrated his special career, the Fenerbahçe striker showed his class one last time, playing a vital role in Bosnia’s performance. A true legend bows out, leaving an incredible legacy behind with loads of memories for the Bosnian fans.

In the opening 45 minutes, The Netherlands dominated possession with 70%, but Bosnia Herzegovina defended resolutely. Despite several attempts by the Dutch to break through, including shots from De Vrij and Zirkzee, Bosnia’s defense held firm. The Netherlands found it difficult to penetrate Bosnia’s compact shape, while Bosnia Herzegovina had a few counter-attacking opportunities.

Though the possession statistics were heavily in The Netherlands’ favor, Bosnia’s ability to disrupt their buildup play was good. The first half ended in a 0 – 1 lead for The Netherlands, via a goal by Brian Brobbey, who headed a cross from Noa Lang backwards into the Bosnian goal. The cross showed Noa Lang’s opportunistic style of play.

Bosnia vs The Netherlands Second Half Highlights

The second half saw a change in momentum as Bosnia Herzegovina pressed higher up the pitch. The tactical adjustment put more pressure on The Netherlands, who struggled with loose passes and defensive lapses, losing a lot of duels. In the 67th minute, a rebound off Flekken’s save fell to Demirović, who headed it in to give Bosnia the qualizer.

Despite late efforts by The Netherlands, including a missed opportunity by Hato in the final minutes, after Koopmeiners and Weghorst tried to find a space to shoot. Bosnia Herzegovina held strong to secure the 1-1 draw.

Post-Game Analysis

In a game where The Netherlands controlled the ball (64% possession), Bosnia’s resilience stood out. While The Netherlands had a significant advantage in possession and territory, they were unable to translate that into a lead. Bosnia’s pressing and quick counters proved to be effective as The Netherlands seemed to lose control in the second half, with seemingly tired players on the field.

Substitutions like Weghorst and Gakpo didn’t significantly change the course of the game, while Bosnia’s defensive organization and quick response to Dutch attacks were key in keeping the score level. Bosnia will be pleased with a hard-earned point, while The Netherlands will feel they left something to be desired in their performance.

Conclusion

The 1-1 draw between Bosnia Herzegovina and The Netherlands is a fair reflection of both teams’ efforts and flaws. Bosnia’s tactical discipline and counter-attacking play earned them the point, while the Dutch will likely be disappointed by their inability to take advantage of their possession. Both teams showed strengths and weaknesses, leaving the result in balance.