The UEFA Nations League 2020/2021 Discussion Thread

[smartaction]

I think the most interesting match tonight will be the derby between the Netherlands and Belgium... There is no fundamental difference in the winner, because both teams are at the top of the group with a difference of three points... But I would like Belgium to win... I like the way they play unlike the young Netherlands... Especially Belgium has a chance to get to the top of the group, even if it's minimal...

Belgium have more possibility to win against Netherlands . Although both teams are very smart and both teams have good players, Belgium plying performance is slightly different from Netherlands which is a plus point for them to win. For the Netherlands, trying to prevent Belgium from winning this match might not work .

[babygun]

I think the most interesting match tonight will be the derby between the Netherlands and Belgium... There is no fundamental difference in the winner, because both teams are at the top of the group with a difference of three points... But I would like Belgium to win... I like the way they play unlike the young Netherlands... Especially Belgium has a chance to get to the top of the group, even if it's minimal...

Netherlands has crushed Belgium on their last meetings with score 4-1 and in this match too Netherlands is the favourite to win the match and talking about their recent performance apparently Netherlands very serious for this competition because they can wins 4 times and still unbeatable and their target is more easy compared to Belgium because Netherlands only needed draw result to became an group champion

In the last meeting, the Netherlands were a lot better than Belgium but I wouldn't say that they are the favorite again. According to the bookmakers, it should be a close match and I think the most likely end result will be a draw. Personally rooting for Belgium but in the end it is also just the Nations League, so nobody really cares.

[Tony116]

Hungary is doing great! They have the best generation since Puskas and we can see this in the last 2 years of this squad.

Also , a few statistics against England , Germany and Italy and how groups have been for them so far :

- They've won against England twice.
- They've drawn and won against Germany.
- They're first in a group with Germany, Italy and England.

I am quite surprised to see the performance of Hungary in this UEFA Nations League. I know that a lot of teams generally do not take the UEFA Nations League seriously but still, I think that Hungary has shown a really good performance. In a group like this, I thought they were going to be at the bottom. But they are leading the group. They also have the most number of wins in this group. And surprisingly England does not have even one win against their name.

[W Jr.]

I think the most interesting match tonight will be the derby between the Netherlands and Belgium... There is no fundamental difference in the winner, because both teams are at the top of the group with a difference of three points... But I would like Belgium to win... I like the way they play unlike the young Netherlands... Especially Belgium has a chance to get to the top of the group, even if it's minimal...

Netherlands has crushed Belgium on their last meetings with score 4-1 and in this match too Netherlands is the favourite to win the match and talking about their recent performance apparently Netherlands very serious for this competition because they can wins 4 times and still unbeatable and their target is more easy compared to Belgium because Netherlands only needed draw result to became an group champion

The Netherlands are playing really well in the group. Belgium is playing well but doesn't look like they can easily take on the Netherlands. Netherlands beat Belgium. Although it is like a friendly cup, these are the last serious friendly matches before the world cup. Both teams will fight, the winner will be the leader of the league.

[Oneandpure]

Belgium have a good chance to win the game against Netherlands. The both country have the quality players they wants and also Belgium priority is top their group table. Netherlands might still shared points with belgium of they take the game serious and place it on a different level of style. One thing I know for sure, is that belgium will dominate the game but Netherlands can still do their counter attacks which might lead to scoring. I will really enjoy tonight game and I'm fully in support with belgium.

Belgium have chance lead first standing position on UEFA Nation League group D against with Netherland and have to win above 3 goals, left 3 points from Netherland chance for Belgium closed group stage match as first settle place. Last important match against with Netherland but little unlucky with away match. Netherland enough draw lock for the first standing position but I think not easy because Belgium want to win in this games. Last match between Netherland and Belgium success won and both countries still fight at the end match to know who lead first standing position.

However Netherland have large chance finish as first standing position, advantage playing home and just need 1 points only for locking first place position, I don't know detail with UEFA Nation League rule who will pass to next stage between first standing and runner up position or available lead to next stage round only with the winner of group stage only.

[Ondekinecakabilirim]

I think the most interesting match tonight will be the derby between the Netherlands and Belgium... There is no fundamental difference in the winner, because both teams are at the top of the group with a difference of three points... But I would like Belgium to win... I like the way they play unlike the young Netherlands... Especially Belgium has a chance to get to the top of the group, even if it's minimal...

Netherlands care about this organization. It's obvious from the results they got in the group. In the group stage they got 4 wins, 1 draw. I have no doubt that they will play to win this match as well. Because coach Louis Van Gaal is trying to create the fiction of the national team in this tournament. They also beat Belgium 4-1 in the first match.

Belgium national team are also very good teams. They have a squad of top elite football players playing in European leagues. But in order for Belgium to become the group leader, they need to beat the Netherlands by 2 margins in this match. It is not easy to beat the Netherlands by 2 margins.

As a result, Belgium must score at least 2 goals in this match. Netherlands proved themselves in the group matches. I think the bet that both teams will score is more attractive. It has 1.56 odds.

[fuguebtc]

Hungary is doing great! They have the best generation since Puskas and we can see this in the last 2 years of this squad.

Also , a few statistics against England , Germany and Italy and how groups have been for them so far :

- They've won against England twice.
- They've drawn and won against Germany.
- They're first in a group with Germany, Italy and England.

I am quite surprised to see the performance of Hungary in this UEFA Nations League. I know that a lot of teams generally do not take the UEFA Nations League seriously but still, I think that Hungary has shown a really good performance. In a group like this, I thought they were going to be at the bottom. But they are leading the group. They also have the most number of wins in this group. And surprisingly England does not have even one win against their name.

Yes, the bigger teams actually do not care about the UEFA Nations League. They just prepared the squad for the world cup with the most strength.

The UEFA Nations League is just a competition for them to give the players enough play time who do not get to play often.
But when a smaller team plays well in these types of tournaments they generally become very confident going into the world cup.
I expect Hungary to go into the world cup with confidence. After this type of performance against really bigger opponents in the same group, people are going to expect them to perform well in the world cup as well.

[emrecemsan]

When it comes to today's matches, the most attracting one to me is Netherlands - Belgium. There is nothing ended for any team also which can make this match more attracting to watch. But Netherlands are in a pretty advantageous condition because they aren't losing their lead unless they lose to Belgium by at least three goals. However I don't think that Netherlands will even lose easily. While they are in a strong shape it is difficult for Belgium to weaken them very much mentally. It isn't easy to pick a result for this match when it comes to betting.

I guess I will choose both teams to score @1.55 for this one. Maybe it is a very easy preference for most people but it might win easily even until the end of the first half.

[buwaytress]

I think the most interesting match tonight will be the derby between the Netherlands and Belgium... There is no fundamental difference in the winner, because both teams are at the top of the group with a difference of three points... But I would like Belgium to win... I like the way they play unlike the young Netherlands... Especially Belgium has a chance to get to the top of the group, even if it's minimal...

I've heard of creative uses of the word derby but I suppose neighbours can compete in the Benelux region as a derby. Belgian stars long helping their team to punch above their weight and I'd take them on as winners too, especially since the Dutch don't have Gini, VVD is out of sorts -- and yes, that still leaves plenty of room for other talents to shine, Dumfries especially has a weird way in internationals, while that Remko guy is peaking at the top of his ripe old age...

Nothing to lose for Belgium to try and overrun them and try get on Remko's case?

Nice bets, @slow death but yeah NL is a trap. No bets for me tonight though except a 14/1 acca on France, NL, Wales. Come on, Bale you idjit.

[BitcoinHunt3r]

When it comes to today's matches, the most attracting one to me is Netherlands - Belgium. There is nothing ended for any team also which can make this match more attracting to watch. But Netherlands are in a pretty advantageous condition because they aren't losing their lead unless they lose to Belgium by at least three goals. However I don't think that Netherlands will even lose easily. While they are in a strong shape it is difficult for Belgium to weaken them very much mentally. It isn't easy to pick a result for this match when it comes to betting.

I guess I will choose both teams to score @1.55 for this one. Maybe it is a very easy preference for most people but it might win easily even until the end of the first half.

Yes Netherlands has a good record of Belgium because in the last match Netherlands can beat Belgium with a score of 4-1 even though Netherlands played away
I agree with you that both teams to score are the best options for betting, because Belgium certainly doesn't want to be embarrassed to be defeated for the second time.

[Distraction]

Austria - Croatia started quite fast. Austria answered with an equalizer only in two minutes. It was 1-1 in the first nine minutes already. Truthfully I still don't expect Croatia to leave two points here. They don't need to worry about anything as long as they win this match in the end. They are playing being aware of this and they are showing how much they want to win this match. Maybe it will be a tough one but Croatia would manage to win by one goal in the worst case.

Netherlands - Belgium match is important for the lead indeed. Maybe Belgium's job is still difficult but I still expect them to leave with three points. Netherlands would only like to keep the score under control to prevent Belgium from taking the lead. As long as they don't lose to Belgium with at least three-goal gap there is no problem for them. Hence I expect a dramatic ending like Belgium win 2-1 or 3-1. But so far in the match there is still no goal. Let's see which side will open the deadlock.

[hahay]

Netherlands only need a draw which of course will probably be an easy mission in the last match for this group stage, because even in the first match the Netherlands can win by a score of 4-1. If I consider these results at least the Netherlands in this match can still win the match, but it looks like they will not push too hard for the full points. At least if they don't push to play their maximum they won't be too tired, playing more relaxed just to aim for a draw is the right way for Netherlands.

[shogun47]

You talk about Italy as if the fact that they don't participate in the World Cup finals makes them a weak team. After all, it is the reigning champion of Europe - the strongest football zone in the world. Well, do not forget about the status of the League of Nations where any result is normal 
By the way, from the last games, I was most surprised by how Portugal destroyed the Czech Republic, I'm glad for those who bet on Portugal - the odds were very good - 1.67.

I am aware of the fact that Italy shouldn't be underestimated, but it still is a poor performance by the English team. Putting this game into the whole context of the Nations League and how it is kind of the preparation for the World Cup, England's results were as bad as it could get. You also send the wrong signal to other teams in terms of weaknesses and vulnerability. Some of the underdogs might have some extra motivation when they know that the big nations can obviously be beaten.

I know that pretty much starts from zero at the actual tournament, but you are also creating a certain atmosphere and mood among the fans. If England gives away the first game at the WC, shit will be hitting the fan and the team will notice. That's why I think that England's performance was not only devastating for the Nations League itself, but also for what it is to come towards the end of this year.

That similarly applies to Germany. I don't see them being spectacularly strong. It seems as if they have the same problem as Bayern Munich against strong defensive teams. Werner was said to be the main striker, but he just doesn't score and especially not against strong opponents.

In fact, I don’t see anything wrong with this - when an underdog plays with additional motivation (and does not “lose before the game”), it is interesting for everyone - both teams and spectators (the best example is the Premier League). Another thing is that unexpected results in the League of Nations are a consequence of the fact that the favorites do not take this tournament seriously.
By the way, if France loses points again today, then it has a chance to take the last place in the group and go down in the league B. But France is one of the main favorites of the upcoming World Cup along with England.

Yes of course, I am all for excitement in hopefully as many games as possible. I was just recalling a time when Spain was almost invincible and any team they were facing literally through in the towel before the game started. It was also the case when Barcelona had its insanely strong phase a decade ago or Bayern Munich when they won the Champions League last time. I just think that if you have this aura of being extremely dangerous and able to score for 90 minutes plus extra time, it also exhausts the mind of your opponent and thereby also costs physical capacity and concentration.

Of course you could turn that idea upside down and argue that opponents are extra motivated when they face a team that hasn't lost 30 games in a row, but I do believe that facing an overwhelmingly well performing opponent is probably rather going to demoralize you, especially when you concede a goal the comeback mentality is probably pretty weak.

I am still convinced that England is a favorite. Many of the games at big tournaments are closer than people would expect beforehand.

[Adbitco]

Frst half Wales 0 vs 0 Poland. I have sense a draw  game from the match although Poland actually stand in a better chances to win Wales. I don't really know why Wales playing a friendly game towards Poland, Second half might be something else.
What do you predicted the match to be?

[BitcoinHunt3r]

Netherlands only need a draw which of course will probably be an easy mission in the last match for this group stage, because even in the first match the Netherlands can win by a score of 4-1. If I consider these results at least the Netherlands in this match can still win the match, but it looks like they will not push too hard for the full points. At least if they don't push to play their maximum they won't be too tired, playing more relaxed just to aim for a draw is the right way for Netherlands.

It's a bit boring watching this match both teams play defensive even though I predict they will attack each other like in the first leg
Another match that caught my attention was Denmark vs France somehow France conceded 2 goals in the first half  
France is in 3rd place at the moment if they lose they won't qualify? Croatia secure the standings and Denmark in 2nd

[coinlocket$]

Wait what, Denmark 2 - France 0?
What the hell is happening here?

Is France playing with good players or random players?

Not a good sign, World cup is only 2 months away.

[Zackgeno96]

As mentioned, there are surprising results this weekend. But the most striking now seems to be the score between Denmark - France. That is 2-0 in favor of Denmark. There is, however, an explanation for this. I've seen the lineups and many players from France are normally not in the starting line-up. Mbappe and Griezman are in, but they are missing too many good players in midfield and in the back. That already indicates that France does not attach any priority to this tournament. I don't think they want to get injured. In the other matches we do not see many goals. What a boring night.

[3meek]

France are once again playing their worst football, losing 2-0 already in the first half... Denmark is certainly not the worst team, but it seems to me that for France it should have been an easy opponent... I don't know what can happen in the second half, but France will probably lose this game... Not sure what they are hoping for before the upcoming World Cup, showing such terrible football now!

[Adbitco]

Snip

Belgium pushing more hard to win, Netherlands plays with ease so the pressure seems to be much on Belgium but believe me I m forecasting winning for against Netherlands.
Wales 0 vs 1 Poland, from my previous reply I made prediction over wales. Do we expect more goal?

[MinoRaiola]

France are once again playing their worst football, losing 2-0 already in the first half... Denmark is certainly not the worst team, but it seems to me that for France it should have been an easy opponent... I don't know what can happen in the second half, but France will probably lose this game... Not sure what they are hoping for before the upcoming World Cup, showing such terrible football now!

For many is the Nations League still a type of friendly matches. They are not see it so serious as the upcoming World Cup. The line-up of the teams is the strongest, that's not the reason. Even Faroe Islands will win against Turkey, which normally never happens. Denmark is not a bad team, but France will not play their best, I can only explain it that way.