A crucial week is approaching in the UEFA Nations League, with decisive matchdays that will determine which teams advance and who faces elimination. Belgium and the Netherlands are among the teams still fighting for crucial points. Here’s everything you need to know.
Decisive Week for UEFA Nations League
We are now down to the last two matchdays of the group stage. The two top-ranked teams in each group will advance to the next round, where they’ll play qualifying matches to secure a place in the finals. There will also be playoffs for promotion and relegation across all divisions. The quarterfinals are set to begin on March 20, while the final round kicks off on June 4, with the grand final scheduled for June 8, 2025.
Thursday, November 14: Belgium vs. Italy
The Belgian Red Devils will host Italy at the King Baudouin Stadium. Italy currently tops their group with a narrow one-point lead over France. With two matches left, it’s going to be a nail-biter, especially if Belgium manages a victory. The Red Devils need to win, as their current tally of 4 points isn’t enough to secure qualification. The last encounter between these two giants ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw. Goal scorers Maxim De Cuyper and Leandro Trossard are expected to play, alongside Romelu Lukaku. However, Kevin De Bruyne remains sidelined due to injury.
Friday, November 15: Spain vs. Denmark & Portugal vs. Poland
In another group, Spain and Denmark will battle for the top spot. If Denmark wins, they will likely secure their place in the next round. Currently, the Danes are 3 points behind Spain but 3 points ahead of Serbia. A loss for Denmark could see Serbia catching up, making the final matchday intense as the two will face each other. For Spain, a win will guarantee group victory. Last time, La Roja won 1-0. Unfortunately, young star Lamine Yamal is out due to injury.
Meanwhile, Portugal can secure their qualification by defeating Poland. After a draw with Scotland, Portugal leads with a 3-point advantage. Croatia, just below them, will face Scotland. Poland, with 3 fewer points than Croatia, must win to stay in contention but will have to do so without Robert Lewandowski, who remains injured. However, the 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play under coach Roberto Martinez.
Saturday, November 16: Netherlands vs. Hungary
The Netherlands is under pressure as well. After 4 matches, they’ve collected only 5 points, placing them second in their group but tied with Hungary. While catching group leaders Germany will be tough, a win against Hungary could secure Oranje’s qualification. The last time these two teams met, it ended in a 1-1 draw. Coach Ronald Koeman is relieved to have Frenkie de Jong back after an injury layoff. Forwards Noa Lang and Justin Kluivert have also been called up.
Sunday, November 17: Italy vs. France
In the same group as Belgium, Italy will face France for a critical match. Before that, Les Bleus will play Israel on Thursday. If France wins against Israel and Belgium manages to prevent Italy from winning, Didier Deschamps’ squad could take the group lead. Surprisingly, Kylian Mbappé has once again been excluded from the squad despite his high-profile move to Real Madrid. The reasons remain unclear.
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