Spain have arrange their UEFA Nations League quarter remaining for a Sunday night time battle in Valencia after drawing 2-2 in Rotterdam.
Luis de la Fuente’s aspect returned to worldwide motion for the primary time in 2025 after ending prime of their group on the finish of 2024.
On the again of the success of profitable Euro 2024, it has been barely forgotten that Spain are the defending Nations League champions, they usually snatched a key draw on the street.
Nico Williams’ early aim put Spain on monitor at De Kuip, however objectives both aspect of the break from Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders hauled the hosts in entrance, as Spain struggled to react.
Mikel Merino got here off the bench to rescue La Roja, as he continued his knack of scoring key objectives this season, because the Arsenal star prodded residence from shut vary to interrupt the Dutch resistance.
All eyes will now be on the second leg however the conflict in Rotterdam marked a particular night time for rising star Dean Huijsen.
Huijsen acquired a debut name up by De la Fuente final month on the again of a robust marketing campaign at Bournemouth however he was subjected to some boos from the house followers resulting from his Dutch hyperlink.
The 19-year-old was born in Amsterdam, earlier than his household relocated to Marbella when he was aged 5, and he opted swap allegiance in the beginning of 2024 after enjoying for the Netherlands at U16 to U19 stage.
Regardless of the negativity of his debut coming after an damage to Barcelona star Pau Cubarsi, Huijsen was unbothered by the response.
“It’s a dream to make my debut for the nationwide workforce. I’m delighted. We’ve so many good gamers, and I’m very blissful,” as per studies from Marca.
“I felt good, I don’t suppose I did badly, I did nicely. The gang is the gang, I deal with enjoying, that’s it.”