Xavi confident Netherlands can reach Nations League quarter-finals

Netherlands coach Xavi Hernández is confident his side can reach the Nations League quarter-finals, with home matches against Greece and Germany set to decide qualification, according to ANP.

The Netherlands have eight points after two wins over Serbia and draws against Greece and Germany. Greece also have eight points, while Germany have five; Serbia have none. The Netherlands host Greece on Friday before travelling to Berlin to face Germany three days later.

Xavi said the team was ready to build on its performances during the previous international break, with several players returning from injury. Frenkie de Jong, Donyell Malen, Justin Kluivert and Ian Maatsen are available again. Memphis Depay, Kenneth Taylor, Wout Weghorst and Luciano Valente were left out of the squad.

The coach said his players must keep playing bravely and not wait until results are going badly before responding. He described himself as reasonably satisfied with his first four matches in charge.

A three-way tie remains possible: if the Netherlands beat Greece and lose to Germany, all three teams could finish on 11 points. In that event, the first comparison would be results between the tied teams, followed by goal difference and goals scored in those matches. Further criteria include overall goal difference and goals, away goals, wins and away wins, with disciplinary points used if teams still cannot be separated.