Xavi believes the starting lineup choice might have been wrong after the Netherlands' draw with Greece.

In the third round of Group B matches in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, the Netherlands came from behind to draw 2-2 with Greece, thanks to goals from Virgil van Dijk and Reindes. Coach Xavi stated that the team must show sufficient ambition when trailing and also believes that the starting lineup selection may have been problematic.

In the 23rd minute, Masoulas headed the ball across the box, and Ionidis received it before firing a low shot into the net, giving Greece a 1-0 lead. In first-half stoppage time, Ionidis dribbled into the box, and Masoulas rushed forward and slid in to score, extending Greece's lead to 2-0.

In the 59th minute of the second half, Joey Fährmann took a corner kick, and Van Dijk headed the ball into the net, helping the Netherlands pull one back to 1-2. In the 89th minute, the Dutch attack was cleared, and Reindes received the ball and fired a shot from the penalty area into the net, helping the Netherlands equalize the score at 2-2.

Ultimately, the Netherlands managed a 2-2 draw against Greece away from home.

Netherlands coach Xavi said, "We played really badly in the first half. The team has to create chances from the start, but we did nothing, and we lacked intensity and the ambition to win. It's my responsibility, and maybe the starting lineup wasn't the right choice."

“I didn’t yell or shout in the locker room; I remained calm. The players were a bit upset at the time, and I apologized to them during halftime, saying it was my fault and that we had to change our mindset.”

Xavi also said, "I will never be satisfied with a draw, but it's part of the process. We hope to continue playing like we did in the second half, and I'm happy with that. I saw two completely different sides of the team, but this is just the beginning."

In addition, Reindes, who helped the Netherlands draw with their opponents, said, "We fought hard to get a draw. The first goal we conceded was due to a communication error, and the second goal was a bit unlucky."

"We were a bit hasty in possession and couldn't find the right way to break the deadlock. But in the second half, we solved the problem by bringing on three number 10 players."

Image source: Internet