Preview: UEFA Nations League

Nations

In this fourth edition of the UEFA Nations League, many exciting matches are being played once again. Throughout the week, national teams compete for points in the group stage. Read all about it in this article.

UEFA Nations League

In the Nations League, 54 UEFA members compete, divided into four leagues based on their international performance. Within these leagues, they are further grouped, and each country plays both home and away matches against the teams in their group.

After the group stage, the teams follow a new path. The first and second-placed teams in League A qualify for the quarterfinals, where they play playoffs to determine who advances to the final round. There will also be playoffs for promotion and relegation between all leagues. The quarterfinals begin on March 20, and the final round on June 4. The final is scheduled for June 8, 2025.

The first edition of the Nations League was held in 2018-2019, with all 55 UEFA member states. Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, won that first edition after a narrow 1-0 victory against the Netherlands. A year later, France claimed the title, and in the most recent edition, Spain triumphed over Croatia after penalties.

Thursday, October 10

At AS Roma’s Stadio Olimpico, the Italian national team plays a home match against Belgium. The Red Devils must try to dethrone the current group leader, but it won’t be easy. Without key players Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, a squad with five debutants will need to hold strong. Those five names are Malick Fofana, Cyril Ngonge, Matte Smets, Ortwin De Wolf, and Maarten Vandevoordt. Italy will field players like Federico Dimarco, Lorenzo Pellegrini, and Mateo Retegui. Belgium and Italy have faced each other 24 times in total, with Italy clearly ahead with 16 wins. Their last encounter was in the 2020-2021 Nations League consolation match, where Italy won 2-1.

Friday, October 11

The first two Nations League matches have already yielded four points for the Netherlands, as Oranje defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina and drew against Germany. This week, the Dutch will visit Budapest, Hungary’s capital. Hungary is currently at the bottom of the table, with as many points as Bosnia-Herzegovina but with more goals conceded. Since 1930, the teams have faced each other 17 times, with the Netherlands winning 10 matches. Hungary won five. The biggest win in the history of their encounters was an 8-1 victory for Oranje in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

Saturday, October 12

Spain and Denmark are both at the top of the table after two matches. Denmark has a slight lead with 6 points, as Spain drew their first match against Serbia. This week, the European champions could claim the top spot. With players like Rodri and Gavi, Spain boasts an excellent midfield, and with the 17-year-old Lamine Yamal in attack, Spain is consistently dangerous. Coach Luis de la Fuente will try to continue the success story of this generation. He had to make several adjustments, as the team is missing players like Unai Simon, Robin Le Normand, and Gavi. In their place, he called up Mikel Merino, Pedro Porro, and Alvaro Morata. Denmark will field players such as Yussuf Poulsen, Christian Eriksen, and Kasper Dolberg. Manchester United striker Rasmus Højlund also returns to the squad after a long injury absence.

Sunday, October 13

Austria and Norway will also face off in an important Nations League match. These teams are competing in Group 3 of League B, fighting for a crucial spot in the group, but with a good result, they could also advance to League A. Austria will be playing at home this week and will try to capitalize on their strong defense and experienced midfielders like David Alaba, Marcel Sabitzer, and Christoph Baumgartner. Norway, with the dangerous Erling Haaland up front, has a dynamic attack and will look to strike on the counter. The two countries also faced each other in the previous Nations League match, which Norway won 2-1.

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