Nations League 2024-25 Soccer

[Franco Pinion]

Terrible performance by Scotland. Didn't even look like scoring a goal. Fair play to Greece, they got their tactics right and took their chances but Scotland were woeful.

Back down to Group B in the Nations League, that is probably where we belong (just). The more worrying thing is the World Cup qualifying group. We play Greece again and either Denmark or Portugal, I can't see us winning any of those games.

 

[Bob the Ninja]

I think Steve Clarke needs to go and I don't mean that in a bad way because he has done well with what he's had available. He has taken Scotland as far as he can.

He is holding back the best group of players we've had in years, his stubbornness to players like McLean and Hanley is scary, got the captain of Italy's fourth best team on the bench, Christie has been one of the standouts for Bournemouth this season in a deeper role but Clarke persists on using him on the right. McKenna playing week in week out in La Liga benched for a guy who can't get a game in English League 1.

Replace Clarke now and we might actually have a chance when it comes to qualifying for 2026.

 

[Boot Cleaner]

Very disappointing result but we were probably lucky to get away with a 1-0 scoreline in Greece considering all the pressure they had in the second half. The writing was on the wall even before this game kicked off, it was obvious Greece was going to attack from the off, and they did and were rewarded with two goals coming from sloppy defending and tracking back.

Clarke has been too loyal to players like McLean, Hanley, and even Ralston although he is playing mostly because of injuries.

Our main problem though is scoring goals, we don't have anyone to finish off the chances we create - Che Adams isn't the answer and I don't see anyone else coming through the ranks.

Getting relegated isn't a disaster, we aren't a top-tier team. I'm not sure we are even a second-tier team, tbh.

 

[Boot Cleaner]

France will play holders Spain in the Nations League semi-finals after both teams win penalty shootouts to progress. Germany beat Italy 5-4 on aggregate and will face Portugal who won 5-3 on aggregate after extra-time.

Quarter-final

Spain 3 Netherlands 3 (Aggregate 5-5; Spain win 5-4 on penalties)
France 2 Croatia 0 (Aggregate 2-2; France win 5-4 on penalties)
Portugal 5 Denmark 2 AET (Portugal win 5-3 on aggregate)
Germany 3 Italy 3 (Germany win 5-4 on aggregate)

By winning the quarter-final, France will also go into World Cup Qualifying Group D along with Azerbaijan, Iceland and Ukraine, while Croatia will be in Group L with the Czech Republic, Faroe Islands, Gibraltar and Montenegro.

Italy's Nations League exit to Germany means they will enter the 2026 World Cup qualifying group against Norway, Estonia, Moldova and Israel, starting June 6. Germany will enter Group A with Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg.

Portugal will be the top seeds in the Republic of Ireland's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group which also features Hungary and Armenia. Denmark will be in Group C along with Scotland, Greece and Belarus.

Spain will face Turkiye, Georgia and Bulgaria in qualifying. While defeat sees the Netherlands joining Finland, Poland, Lithuania, and Malta in Group G.

League A/B playoffs:

Hungary 0 Turkey 3 (Turkey win 6-1 on aggregate)
Belgium 3 Ukraine 0 (Belgium win 4-3 on aggregate)
Serbia 2 Austria 0 (Serbia win 3-1 on aggregate)
Scotland 0 Greece 3 (Greece win 3-1 on aggregate)

League B/C playoffs:

Iceland 1 Kosovo 3 (Kosovo win 5-2 on aggregate)
Republic of Ireland 2 Bulgaria 1 (Republic of Ireland win 4-2 on aggregate)
Georgia 6 Armenia 1 (Georgia win 9-1 on aggregate)
Slovenia 1 Slovakia 0 (Slovenia win 1-0 on aggregate)

 

[Strawberry Man]

Portugal triumphed over Spain in a gripping encounter that saw the match end in a 2-2 draw, eventually decided by penalties (5-3). This clash highlighted the potential of both teams as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup next year.

The match began with Spain taking the lead through Martin Zubimendi, only for Portugal's Nuno Mendes to level the score with a powerful strike. Spain regained the advantage via Mikel Oyarzabal, but Cristiano Ronaldo's equaliser, courtesy of Mendes's deft setup, showcased the veteran's enduring prowess.

Key Highlights:

• Mendes vs. Yamal: Nuno Mendes' performance was a standout, showcasing his exceptional skills as he effectively neutralised 17-year-old Lamine Yamal. His attacking prowess was evident as he scored and assisted, reinforcing his claim as one of the best left-backs currently in the game.
• Ronaldo's Resilience: Despite a slow start and some erratic moments, Ronaldo managed to score his 138th international goal, proving his knack for delivering in crucial situations. His impact, albeit questioned during the match, was undeniable when it mattered most.
• Spain's Defensive Woes: Spain's entertaining yet leaky defence raises concerns about their World Cup prospects. With 15 goals conceded in their last six games, they will need to shore up defensively to be serious contenders. The return of Rodri from injury could provide much-needed stability.
• Portugal's Potential: Under Roberto Martinez, Portugal appears to be developing a cohesive unit with a mix of experienced leaders and emerging talents. Their depth was evident, particularly with Rafael Leao's impact off the bench. If they can integrate their star players effectively, they could emerge as strong contenders for the World Cup.
• Oyarzabal's Importance: While Oyarzabal may not be the flashiest player, his intelligence and ability to perform in critical moments make him a key figure for Spain. His goal and overall contributions highlight his importance in the national setup.

As both teams prepare for the World Cup, this match provided a significant barometer of their current form and potential. Portugal's victory not only secures the Nations League title but also instils confidence as they look to carry this momentum forward into the global arena.

• Portugal wins Nations League final against Spain on penalties
• Nuno Mendes shines as a top left-back
• Ronaldo scores a crucial equaliser, proving his experience
• Spain's defensive issues raise concerns for the World Cup
• Portugal shows depth and potential under Martinez
• Oyarzabal emerges as a vital player for Spain

 

[Bandit]

Ah man, poor Motata missing the crucial penalty. If there was one person you didn't want it to go wrong for, it's him.