The UEFA Nations League 2020/2021 Discussion Thread

[Cryptmuster]

I think that Ronaldo has made the right decision by leaving the national team after this World Cup.

After watching his really poor performance against Spain it seems like he wouldn't be too beneficial for the team from now on. I know that this was a Nations League match but in the end he found opportunities to score. He didn't seem like he wasn't caring about the match either. He was one of the most important factors playing a role in their losing their lead and missing the chance to qualify for playoffs. I hope to see a more determined Ronaldo in the World Cup to say goodbye to his national team in a nice way. Portugal can be one of the favourites if especially he plays effectively.

Ronaldo is not getting any younger and it will be more and more difficult for him to play well in the club and for the national team, although he sits on the bench most of the time at the club, so he should have a lot of strength. ) It was supposed to happen, but he still has the World Cup, it will be a great end to his career, especially if he manages to reach his full potential. He needs to regain his confidence, then we will see the real Ronaldo, because right now he looks a little confused.

[onecall123]

I think that Ronaldo has made the right decision by leaving the national team after this World Cup.

After watching his really poor performance against Spain it seems like he wouldn't be too beneficial for the team from now on. I know that this was a Nations League match but in the end he found opportunities to score. He didn't seem like he wasn't caring about the match either. He was one of the most important factors playing a role in their losing their lead and missing the chance to qualify for playoffs. I hope to see a more determined Ronaldo in the World Cup to say goodbye to his national team in a nice way. Portugal can be one of the favourites if especially he plays effectively.

Ronaldo is not getting any younger and it will be more and more difficult for him to play well in the club and for the national team, although he sits on the bench most of the time at the club, so he should have a lot of strength. ) It was supposed to happen, but he still has the World Cup, it will be a great end to his career, especially if he manages to reach his full potential. He needs to regain his confidence, then we will see the real Ronaldo, because right now he looks a little confused.

Ronaldo has had these kinds of situations before and we should believe that he will bounce back through the World Cup just as he did previously. There is still more magic to come.

As a 37-year-old, Ronaldo has lost his powers and that's pretty understandable. It is true that he is no longer the same guy he once was, but he gave us a lot of amazing moments during the years when he was at his prime. Next, he should step down so that we can all remember him.

[swogerino]

I think that Ronaldo has made the right decision by leaving the national team after this World Cup.

After watching his really poor performance against Spain it seems like he wouldn't be too beneficial for the team from now on. I know that this was a Nations League match but in the end he found opportunities to score. He didn't seem like he wasn't caring about the match either. He was one of the most important factors playing a role in their losing their lead and missing the chance to qualify for playoffs. I hope to see a more determined Ronaldo in the World Cup to say goodbye to his national team in a nice way. Portugal can be one of the favourites if especially he plays effectively.

Ronaldo is not getting any younger and it will be more and more difficult for him to play well in the club and for the national team, although he sits on the bench most of the time at the club, so he should have a lot of strength. ) It was supposed to happen, but he still has the World Cup, it will be a great end to his career, especially if he manages to reach his full potential. He needs to regain his confidence, then we will see the real Ronaldo, because right now he looks a little confused.

Ronaldo has had these kinds of situations before and we should believe that he will bounce back through the World Cup just as he did previously. There is still more magic to come.

As a 37-year-old, Ronaldo has lost his powers and that's pretty understandable. It is true that he is no longer the same guy he once was, but he gave us a lot of amazing moments during the years when he was at his prime. Next, he should step down so that we can all remember him.

Who knows,if for example the Portugal team does really well at the World Cup and Ronaldo is a great contributor to such performance then I hope that Ronaldo will not retire until he has also played his last Euro Cup about 2 year later in which he would be 39 by age.If this happens to come true then this is a perfect example of a person from Europe who has played football while performing really good at a really "old" age for playing football.

For the World Cup though it won't be easy as the South American teams are on fire from what I am seeing around so that can be a big problem not only for Portugal but for all the other major European teams.

[KTChampions]

I still don't understand why the Portuguese coaches choose to start Ronaldo when they can give better opportunities to the younger players in the squad who are hungry in front to prove themselves before the world cup to boost their confidence. Ronaldo is still a great player but we all know that he's not in his prime and for Portugal, it will not be in their best interest to depend on him during the world cup. Ronaldo should still be in the squad but should have reduced playing time to give opportunity to other younger players especially since he's going into retirement soon and they will need younger players to carry the National team forward.

Actually this is quite reasonable because Ronaldo is still iconic for Portugal. On the other hand he already has good enough experience against Spain which made him play from the start.
But it should be if they want to start regeneration from now on because we know Ronaldo will soon end up in Portugal and this will certainly be a problem if there is no regeneration later and young players are still quite difficult later to fill the role up front.

The younger generation can show themselves at club level - Ronaldo obviously does not fill all the striker positions in all clubs   If someone is clearly better than Ronaldo then Santos will put him in the first team without any doubt. Right now Ronaldo is still a more reliable option than anyone else and I don't understand his critics - he can't guarantee a goal in every game or convert every moment - there are different days.

[bct_ail]

I think that Ronaldo has made the right decision by leaving the national team after this World Cup.

After watching his really poor performance against Spain it seems like he wouldn't be too beneficial for the team from now on. I know that this was a Nations League match but in the end he found opportunities to score. He didn't seem like he wasn't caring about the match either. He was one of the most important factors playing a role in their losing their lead and missing the chance to qualify for playoffs. I hope to see a more determined Ronaldo in the World Cup to say goodbye to his national team in a nice way. Portugal can be one of the favourites if especially he plays effectively.

The Portugal national team has mostly built everything around Ronaldo. The team is not the star it is Ronaldo. But they did not manage more than the European championship. Ronaldo is an exceptional player. No question about it. In my opinion there was often too much hype around his person and less attention was paid to the qualities of the other players.

[fuguebtc]

I think that Ronaldo has made the right decision by leaving the national team after this World Cup.
After watching his really poor performance against Spain it seems like he wouldn't be too beneficial for the team from now on. I know that this was a Nations League match but in the end he found opportunities to score. He didn't seem like he wasn't caring about the match either. He was one of the most important factors playing a role in their losing their lead and missing the chance to qualify for playoffs. I hope to see a more determined Ronaldo in the World Cup to say goodbye to his national team in a nice way. Portugal can be one of the favourites if especially he plays effectively.

The Portugal national team has mostly built everything around Ronaldo. The team is not the star it is Ronaldo. But they did not manage more than the European championship. Ronaldo is an exceptional player. No question about it. In my opinion there was often too much hype around his person and less attention was paid to the qualities of the other players.

Portugal has a number of star players in their squad. But I agree that Ronaldo is the most important player on the team. And Portugal's coach Fernando Santos has designed his match strategy around Ronaldo. If Ronaldo plays well, the team will win, if Ronaldo does not play well, it becomes difficult for Portugal to win any match. Thus it is very risky if a player depends on the team. Because the Portugal team only depends on Ronaldo. So I don't consider Portugal as the favorite for the next World Cup. The coach should have focused on the other players on the team as well.

[joker_josue]

Portugal has a number of star players in their squad. But I agree that Ronaldo is the most important player on the team. And Portugal's coach Fernando Santos has designed his match strategy around Ronaldo. If Ronaldo plays well, the team will win, if Ronaldo does not play well, it becomes difficult for Portugal to win any match. Thus it is very risky if a player depends on the team. Because the Portugal team only depends on Ronaldo. So I don't consider Portugal as the favorite for the next World Cup. The coach should have focused on the other players on the team as well.

That's true. What is still not understood is why Fernando Santos does not stop assembling the team like Ronaldo was 25 years old!
And that's Portugal's problem, continuing to play like a youth 10 years ago. Although the players of that time no longer have the same physical condition.
There are several Portuguese players of great quality, who, because of this old style of play, are not being put to good use.

[poldanmig]

Portugal has a number of star players in their squad. But I agree that Ronaldo is the most important player on the team. And Portugal's coach Fernando Santos has designed his match strategy around Ronaldo. If Ronaldo plays well, the team will win, if Ronaldo does not play well, it becomes difficult for Portugal to win any match. Thus it is very risky if a player depends on the team. Because the Portugal team only depends on Ronaldo. So I don't consider Portugal as the favorite for the next World Cup. The coach should have focused on the other players on the team as well.

That's true. What is still not understood is why Fernando Santos does not stop assembling the team like Ronaldo was 25 years old!
And that's Portugal's problem, continuing to play like a youth 10 years ago. Although the players of that time no longer have the same physical condition.
There are several Portuguese players of great quality, who, because of this old style of play, are not being put to good use.

Dependence on ronaldo is indeed something that must be abandoned by portugal at this time, in my opinion even though ronaldo is still able to play but still his current performance is no longer the same as before and it is better for Santos to give young strikers the opportunity to fill Ronaldo position without having to throw Ronaldo , I think Santos should be more able to shift Ronaldo position as a motivator or leader for young players in the squad rather than having to make him the main striker throughout the game, nowadays many young strikers are quite good from Portugal but unfortunately they can't show their abilities because they don't get greater playing opportunities.

[Bobrox]

I think that Ronaldo has made the right decision by leaving the national team after this World Cup.

After watching his really poor performance against Spain it seems like he wouldn't be too beneficial for the team from now on. I know that this was a Nations League match but in the end he found opportunities to score. He didn't seem like he wasn't caring about the match either. He was one of the most important factors playing a role in their losing their lead and missing the chance to qualify for playoffs. I hope to see a more determined Ronaldo in the World Cup to say goodbye to his national team in a nice way. Portugal can be one of the favourites if especially he plays effectively.

Have rumors about Cristiano Ronaldo still not leaving national team after this World Cup and he wants keep playing on last event at Euro 2024 for last time with his country, actually about Cristiano  Ronaldo decision still not retired from Nation team depend about him self but Portugal coach need think about give him regular position looking on his age and minutes playing on Manchester United.

this season, Cristiano Ronaldo not as regular player for Manchester United and I think he has different chance when playing for National team because always in starting eleven playing named list, I think whoever coach for Portugal after World Cup edition better not make priority for Ronaldo in starting eleven again, he will leave national team if manager not give him chance again and directly will retired from national team.

[terrorJR]

Portugal has a number of star players in their squad. But I agree that Ronaldo is the most important player on the team. And Portugal's coach Fernando Santos has designed his match strategy around Ronaldo. If Ronaldo plays well, the team will win, if Ronaldo does not play well, it becomes difficult for Portugal to win any match. Thus it is very risky if a player depends on the team. Because the Portugal team only depends on Ronaldo. So I don't consider Portugal as the favorite for the next World Cup. The coach should have focused on the other players on the team as well.

This implies that Portugal still has a great dependence on Ronaldo.
Actually this is still good but they also have to realize that Ronaldo will not be in the national team forever and they have to start reducing dependence like this.
There are still some young strikers who can still prove themselves in this regard but when the focus of Santos is still around Ronaldo then I can't guarantee the results will always be good.

[Zackgeno96]

We have the final 4, but who is actually the favourite? Italy, Croatia, the Netherlands and Spain. Those are 4 countries with an excellent selection. I don't think we have a favorite. Italy has had a bad period by missing out on the World Cup due to the elimination against North Macedonia. The Netherlands has already reached the final once, but Italy is the reigning European champion. You can expect everything from Spain. The title but also a defeat. When is the draw for the semi-finals? I understand that the matches are played in the Netherlands, which is a huge advantage for the Netherlands team.

[Joca97]

We have the final 4, but who is actually the favourite? Italy, Croatia, the Netherlands and Spain. Those are 4 countries with an excellent selection. I don't think we have a favorite. Italy has had a bad period by missing out on the World Cup due to the elimination against North Macedonia. The Netherlands has already reached the final once, but Italy is the reigning European champion. You can expect everything from Spain. The title but also a defeat. When is the draw for the semi-finals? I understand that the matches are played in the Netherlands, which is a huge advantage for the Netherlands team.

For me the main favorite is Spain then Netherlands. This two teams are in the best form from this four teams. Croatia played good in their group but i dont think they can win this. While Italys moral is bad after not going to the world cup and there is a lot of pressure on them.

[Trofo]

We have the final 4, but who is actually the favourite? Italy, Croatia, the Netherlands and Spain. Those are 4 countries with an excellent selection. I don't think we have a favorite. Italy has had a bad period by missing out on the World Cup due to the elimination against North Macedonia. The Netherlands has already reached the final once, but Italy is the reigning European champion. You can expect everything from Spain. The title but also a defeat. When is the draw for the semi-finals? I understand that the matches are played in the Netherlands, which is a huge advantage for the Netherlands team.

For me the main favorite is Spain then Netherlands. This two teams are in the best form from this four teams. Croatia played good in their group but i dont think they can win this. While Italys moral is bad after not going to the world cup and there is a lot of pressure on them.

Spain is in the best of form? They looked quite poor to me for a long time. Same goes for Italy. Netherlands and Croatia are teams in form at the moment but we will have final 4 after quite a long period of time at the end of grueling season. Who knows what the situation will be then. Could be totally different.

[Pulsar77]

Honestly I think that Spain and Italy are the most unlikely teams to win the Nations League.

Spain were quite in trouble against Portugal actually. People who have watched the match are already aware of how many dangerous chance Portugal found but couldn't take advantage of any. Spain got really lucky in that match and their goal was also due to a defensive mistake. When it comes to Italy they are already not very reliable team as well. I appreciate their getting two wins in their last group matches because this form helped them finish as leader. However they gave so many goal chances to Hungary and England both in those matches. Defensive issues might cause them to be eliminated in next stage.

[MinoRaiola]

There's no chance that Ronaldo will not play the entire 90 minutes really. There's so much pressure from everyone to see him play. I don't think they will put any younger player instead of him, specially since this will probably be his last appearance in the world cup.

It's time he understood that his best days are over. He dont playing not the total 90 minutes and give the youngstats the time. He still wants to go on, but he is reaching his limit. I think if he understands that, it will be better for his team. That goes for the national team and Manchester United. He is a very good player, but he can play full power for 45-60 minutes, not 90.

Portugal do now have an array of attacking options, though, including Rafael Leao and Joao Felix which would produce more results than Ronaldo. But I don’t understand why Portugal coach won’t make decisions to benefit the team. His game time has been limited this season and that says a lot about his form and it will determine their fate in the World Cup. I hope Santos knows what to do when the World Cup games starts. Respect and high profile doesn’t win trophies, it’s the ability to produce result on the field of play that does.

That is exactly how it is. Ronaldo has to take a different position in the team. He has to motivate the team, because that makes it easier to win games. If you watch Ronaldo after a lost game, he sometimes gets aggressive and angry and that doesn't make the team better. He has to go to the World Cup, but he should adjust his attitude and stop playing so much.

[izsara]

That is exactly how it is. Ronaldo has to take a different position in the team. He has to motivate the team, because that makes it easier to win games. If you watch Ronaldo after a lost game, he sometimes gets aggressive and angry and that doesn't make the team better. He has to go to the World Cup, but he should adjust his attitude and stop playing so much.

This is still one of his traits which is very difficult to change even though we know it's part of his ambition but when things like this keep happening over and over again it's actually also disturbing for the concentration of other players because they will definitely be very depressed by this.
He is one great player but at his age I actually quite agree with you because it can be a good regeneration if he displays really good leadership. It's not that he's not good now but there's still some work to be done.

[snipie]

Honestly I think that Spain and Italy are the most unlikely teams to win the Nations League.

Spain were quite in trouble against Portugal actually. People who have watched the match are already aware of how many dangerous chance Portugal found but couldn't take advantage of any. Spain got really lucky in that match and their goal was also due to a defensive mistake. When it comes to Italy they are already not very reliable team as well. I appreciate their getting two wins in their last group matches because this form helped them finish as leader. However they gave so many goal chances to Hungary and England both in those matches. Defensive issues might cause them to be eliminated in next stage.

Italy and Spain are favourites for sure. From here to June 2023, throughout World Cup, many things could change including management, injuries and so on.
Netherlands is an interesting team too, we will see how far they could go in World Cup first. CR7 is less likely to win but who knows.

[hashrateproducts]

Pele is one of the legend Brazil is proud of having and he have a stunning record which have stood for 51 years as the highest goalscorer with 77 goals in 92 games. The amazing part of it is that Neymar Jr have his kind of way of becoming a legend with close to breaking the goal tally and he's a genius in his own making. Neymar is just two goals away and definitely he would break that record and even hits up pass 80 goals for Brazil. The country is known for having good players with skills as Neymar have a new set of attackers that would support him in the upcoming worldcup in qater.

[cryptofrka]

We have the final 4, but who is actually the favourite? Italy, Croatia, the Netherlands and Spain. Those are 4 countries with an excellent selection. I don't think we have a favorite. Italy has had a bad period by missing out on the World Cup due to the elimination against North Macedonia. The Netherlands has already reached the final once, but Italy is the reigning European champion. You can expect everything from Spain. The title but also a defeat. When is the draw for the semi-finals? I understand that the matches are played in the Netherlands, which is a huge advantage for the Netherlands team.

Currently I'd say that the inform teams are Croatia and Netherlands, but both Spain and Italy have won away from home in clutch games against their direct rivals for the final 4.

Since the tournament will be played in the summer, picking favorites now is an impossible task. We'll be much smarter in May, the strongest team on paper is Spain with the weakest being Croatia.

[KTChampions]

We have the final 4, but who is actually the favourite? Italy, Croatia, the Netherlands and Spain. Those are 4 countries with an excellent selection. I don't think we have a favorite. Italy has had a bad period by missing out on the World Cup due to the elimination against North Macedonia. The Netherlands has already reached the final once, but Italy is the reigning European champion. You can expect everything from Spain. The title but also a defeat. When is the draw for the semi-finals? I understand that the matches are played in the Netherlands, which is a huge advantage for the Netherlands team.

I would call Italy the main favorite, because one should expect extreme motivation from them due to the fact that they miss the World Cup and are now forced to fight for at least some title. But the final part will be held as early as June 2023 and it is difficult to say how much strength the players will have after the most difficult season, and in general it is difficult to predict for such a long time ahead.