⚽ UEFA Nations League ⚽ - Discussion Thread

[LGD2Business]

When Ronaldo isn't playing, everyone bets on Portugal and win. That's the general consensus I've seen over and over on local forums. Portugal is better without Ronaldo. Unfortunately that's the truth, even if his fans refuse to accept it. They secured an important victory against Norway. And it was on the road. That was crucial for taking the group lead.
For some reason Portugal is playing much better in this tournament than in other ones. The forward duo of Ramos and Felix is working better than Ronaldo Felix duo. They could finish the group on top and gain a major advantage again.

[LUCKMCFLY]

I revisit this because I know it'll take grace of God for San Marino to get a draw against Finland 

Finland won 7-0 and the refree was inconsiderate for issuing a red card to San Marino. Even if they fielded x2 players on the game, they obviously can not achieve anything. Finland controlled the game as expected, San Marino had no single shots on target.

I would suggest them to be banned from participating in any competition to save them from the regular embarrassment 

It's very true; these are the only ways San Marino can achieve anything, but that game was impressive. I didn't actually see it, but I thought the national team had improved their level of play. I think San Marino should invest more in their national team, in the youth teams, because they're really bad, it's unbelievable.

I know they see football differently, but whoever plays San Marino considers them a pushover, and that's always been the case. A team like Finland, I'm sure shouldn't normally be scoring 7 goals on anyone.

[Bitcoin_people]

portugal didn't want to take a risk by playing ronaldo against norway, and i think they made the right call. joão félix's opening goal was beautiful, and even though norway managed to tie the game, portugal still managed to win. i don’t think ronaldo would have scored in this match. but both of portugal’s forwards managed to find the back of the net. i wonder when portugal will finally give up on ronaldo and realize that he’s actually hurting the team.

Portugal's best legendary player Cristiano Ronaldo was not fielded in the match against Norway so that he would not be at risk. If he gets a major injury at this age, it would be harmful for the team and the player, so the coach made a good decision not to play him in this match. Yes, without Ronaldo, these two forwards performed brilliantly and won against Norway, which gave them more confidence. However, the Norwegian team tried hard to control the game but in the end they could not finish seventh, which is a pity for them. The performance that Ronaldo is doing for Portugal at this age may raise a question in everyone's mind, when will he lose confidence in the team, but we can see that the Portugal team is much weaker without him. When Ronaldo is on the field, the strength of the team is different, where there is a legend on the field, the strength of the team doubles.

[Solokan]

In my opinion, the Norway vs. Portugal match was a very exciting match because both teams competed seriously. Eventually, both teams found a way to win, with one of them losing. Norway ultimately had to accept defeat, losing to Portugal 2-1. Portugal finally earned three points against Norway. This certainly made Portuguese fans happy because their team had won, and Portugal is now in first place in Group D

Joao Felix performed well, scoring the first goal against Norway. He utilized a pass well. Ramos also performed well in that match, scoring a goal against Norway. However, unfortunately, Norway couldn't capitalize on all their opportunities. If only Norway had done so, there would have been potential for Norway to score more than one goal. Now, I'm curious about their second meeting. Who do you think will win?

[Jessie2121]

I can't even lie, Spain decorated football in today's match, if not for the fact that it was Spain England played against I believe the game would have ended in a 1nil win or 2nil victory for England. England needed a very hard push to bring out the best in them and that was what Spain did but unfortunately they lost the game. I always feel bad to see the number of good players England have to make their opposition struggle no matter the national team they play against but yet they find it hard to dominate, like are they even serious? I can't even remember the last time I saw Spain losing any of their games, friendly or a competitive game, they always come out victorious, the only upset that can happen is a draw and tonight I was expecting England to get a draw not even a win because I know how weak they are in all their games, they can only score more goals against San Marin, that is the only country they score more goals that I have seen, they need to work more on that midfield.

Every time Ferran Torres is proving that he need half a dozen of chances to score one goal, I don't understand how he could score some incredible goals and miss lots of clear goals, I think Barcelona is the foundation of Spain and it will be hard to beat them, the union between these players in their country and club is actually very beneficial for both club and country

The English team may not win any major trophy even though I believe they will always go very far in every competition but they don't have what it takes to finish strong.

I think I agree with you, Barcelona have made the Spanish national team too strong that is a must you find more of Barcelona players than any other club side players in the squad and talking about F. Torres I think he prefers scoring the difficult goals than the easy ones, same as Oyarzabal, always misplacing good opportunities. Well we shouldn't talk much about the strikers of Spain because they don't have better strikers that can be as sharp as Kane or Lewandowski, they don't rely on their strikers to get the job done that's why they beat the likes of England even Portugal because they can score from any position aside from the goalkeeper, they make football very easy and is hard to stop them when they attack, no wonder they are the best in the world and they surely deserve that world cup title b

[B-BossMan]

Without Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal sored against Norway two goals. Norway had the ball for a long time but could not find the right result in their attack. Portugal was too busy defending because they were leading by one goal. You are right, Norway was busy playing today's match, but Portugal took advantage of the opportunities at the right time. Despite 20 attacks, Norway could not score. Portugal beat Norway on their own ground without CR7. But the match was really exciting, I enjoyed today's match a lot because there have been no good matches for a while. Norway 1 - 2 Portugal.

Portugal has got a good team and it’s only normal that, at some point the team has got to learn how to go on without him. It’s how these kind of things work, when the old generation can no longer help so much as it is with football, the younger generation gets to pick up the pace and get the job done. Ronaldo has done that for a long time now, got the country on the maps and history books in the game, it’s only expected that the likes of Fernandes, Felix, Cancelo and the rest of them keep getting the job done.

I have also been noticing this for a while, when Cristiano Ronaldo is not in the game or stays in bench, Portugal performance are very good and that mean even if there's no or without Cristiano Ronaldo, portion can still perform better, I really like the improvements and independent player's teamwork, because when a team has puts all thier hopes on single player is a big mistakes, because when the player is injured or on bench, others cannot score goals, it's high time we learn how to manage or maintain how teamwork even without a key pmayer. I was so impressed with the Portugal's performance, though Norway also did thier best as they also pressures Portugal on that match. Norway-1 Portugal-2

[Frankolala]

When Ronaldo isn't playing, everyone bets on Portugal and win. That's the general consensus I've seen over and over on local forums. Portugal is better without Ronaldo. Unfortunately that's the truth, even if his fans refuse to accept it. They secured an important victory against Norway. And it was on the road. That was crucial for taking the group lead.
For some reason Portugal is playing much better in this tournament than in other ones. The forward duo of Ramos and Felix is working better than Ronaldo Felix duo. They could finish the group on top and gain a major advantage again.

Let's say Ronaldo isn't that smart and sharp any more compared to the these young blood due to his age which I believe is the problem with him. It was a beautiful performance yesterday from the Portuguese team despite the threats from Norway. Let's just forget about Ronaldo and enjoy this tournament with all the entertainment in it.

[Inwestour]

When Ronaldo isn't playing, everyone bets on Portugal and win. That's the general consensus I've seen over and over on local forums. Portugal is better without Ronaldo. Unfortunately that's the truth, even if his fans refuse to accept it. They secured an important victory against Norway. And it was on the road. That was crucial for taking the group lead.
For some reason Portugal is playing much better in this tournament than in other ones. The forward duo of Ramos and Felix is working better than Ronaldo Felix duo. They could finish the group on top and gain a major advantage again.

Let's say Ronaldo isn't that smart and sharp any more compared to the these young blood due to his age which I believe is the problem with him. It was a beautiful performance yesterday from the Portuguese team despite the threats from Norway. Let's just forget about Ronaldo and enjoy this tournament with all the entertainment in it.

I think that in the important matches ahead, Ronaldo will probably stay on the bench, as he did yesterday against a stronger opponent. He will still be given opportunities to play in some less important matches, so that he can score a few more goals. I think everyone understands that Ronaldo is already approaching the end of his career, and the main reason he continues to play is to give him the opportunity to reach the milestone of 1,000 goals in official matches.

[Italian Panic]

I think that in the important matches ahead, Ronaldo will probably stay on the bench, as he did yesterday against a stronger opponent. He will still be given opportunities to play in some less important matches, so that he can score a few more goals. I think everyone understands that Ronaldo is already approaching the end of his career, and the main reason he continues to play is to give him the opportunity to reach the milestone of 1,000 goals in official matches.

I also think Cristiano Ronaldo should start on the bench for the most important matches and, if needed, come on in the final minutes so he can give it his all and perhaps make a difference, but the managers should show more confidence in him. As for the rest, it was an excellent victory for Portugal against a great team like Norway, not bad at all. Greeks victory over Klopp’s Germany is also impressive, but once the Germans get to grips with Klopp’s style of play, you will see what a team they are.

[Abbatty]

I think that in the important matches ahead, Ronaldo will probably stay on the bench, as he did yesterday against a stronger opponent. He will still be given opportunities to play in some less important matches, so that he can score a few more goals. I think everyone understands that Ronaldo is already approaching the end of his career, and the main reason he continues to play is to give him the opportunity to reach the milestone of 1,000 goals in official matches.

I also think Cristiano Ronaldo should start on the bench for the most important matches and, if needed, come on in the final minutes so he can give it his all and perhaps make a difference, but the managers should show more confidence in him. As for the rest, it was an excellent victory for Portugal against a great team like Norway, not bad at all. Greeks victory over Klopp’s Germany is also impressive, but once the Germans get to grips with Klopp’s style of play, you will see what a team they are.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus have a very good relationship, Ronaldo was among the pioneers that brought him to the Portugal national team. So I believe it was completely understood by the veteran player why he needed to sit on the bench yesterday. If you watch yesterday, you would see it was an intense and end to end stuff, with that intensity Ronaldo would have been a short one for Portugal.

With 2 wins now and top of the table, definitely Ronaldo will be starting in the next game, I really want him to get a goal or 2 before the international break ends. The chase for 1000 goals is still going on.

[swogerino]

Strange enough most games in the UEFA Nations League so far came as predicted. Except Germany of course who was the biggest surprise results so far in this early start of the Nations League. It appears that these national teams encounter are much better than the weekend games for making money, I didn't bet here but I will surely do starting from the next round which will be very soon. We think it is better in weekend chasing teams like Liverpool, RealMadrid and others and end up losing almost always.

[Oluwa-btc]

Let's say Ronaldo isn't that smart and sharp any more compared to the these young blood due to his age which I believe is the problem with him. It was a beautiful performance yesterday from the Portuguese team despite the threats from Norway. Let's just forget about Ronaldo and enjoy this tournament with all the entertainment in it.

Smart and sharp in what aspect? The mind? Body or what? Most of you on here go on disrespecting greatness. After Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Harry Kane, Cristiano Ronaldo is the smartest of all strikers in the world. But I get it though, to everyone his own perspective so it is all fine and dandy. You want to forget about the first person who brought them their first ever international trophy in a long time? Pure delusion! Cristaino Ronaldo is as important as the president of Portugal to these Portuguese fanbase.

[Lannakosa]

Strange enough most games in the UEFA Nations League so far came as predicted. Except Germany of course who was the biggest surprise results so far in this early start of the Nations League. It appears that these national teams encounter are much better than the weekend games for making money, I didn't bet here but I will surely do starting from the next round which will be very soon. We think it is better in weekend chasing teams like Liverpool, RealMadrid and others and end up losing almost always.

Klopp’s start as Germany’s head coach has been incredibly difficult. Starting with a draw and a defeat, I think that’s the worst possible scenario. You can somehow explain the draw against the Netherlands, because it was his first match and they are a strong team, but losing at home to Greece is terrible. I’m interested to see how the German Football Association will react to this, I think Klopp clearly expected to start his time in Germany with wins.

[Davidloki]

Strange enough most games in the UEFA Nations League so far came as predicted. Except Germany of course who was the biggest surprise results so far in this early start of the Nations League. It appears that these national teams encounter are much better than the weekend games for making money, I didn't bet here but I will surely do starting from the next round which will be very soon. We think it is better in weekend chasing teams like Liverpool, RealMadrid and others and end up losing almost always.

Absolutely, these nations league predictions have being the most expected outcome compared to League matches during the weekend, though the African Cup of Nation has some unexpected outcome which I luckily avoided. Germany game was the biggest shocker this weekend and that would cost so many people a lot of losses, Klopp has not being the best since he was assigned the Germany coach.

In his recent interview, he mentioned that he would not put the blame on the players, and that the new players would need time to develo, how much time though?

[Solokan]

Without Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal sored against Norway two goals. Norway had the ball for a long time but could not find the right result in their attack. Portugal was too busy defending because they were leading by one goal. You are right, Norway was busy playing today's match, but Portugal took advantage of the opportunities at the right time. Despite 20 attacks, Norway could not score. Portugal beat Norway on their own ground without CR7. But the match was really exciting, I enjoyed today's match a lot because there have been no good matches for a while. Norway 1 - 2 Portugal.

Portugal has many strong players, so it's no surprise that even though Ronaldo wasn't playing, Portugal still played well. The Portuguese players seemed to play with confidence. I think Jorge Jesus also developed a good strategy that ultimately led Portugal to victory against Norway. Apparently, Jorge Jesus already knew what he had to do against Norway, as Norway is a strong team.

Norway, despite having many shots, failed to score many goals against Portugal because the Portuguese players were able to handle them well. However, Jorge Jesus still needs to be vigilant because all teams facing Portugal will definitely try to fight Portugal seriously. I think Portugal has great potential to win Group D. What do you think? Next, Portugal will face Denmark, who do you think will win? In my opinion, Portugal has the greatest potential to win.

[Futurexxx]

I also think Cristiano Ronaldo should start on the bench for the most important matches and, if needed, come on in the final minutes so he can give it his all and perhaps make a difference, but the managers should show more confidence in him. As for the rest, it was an excellent victory for Portugal against a great team like Norway, not bad at all. Greeks victory over Klopp’s Germany is also impressive, but once the Germans get to grips with Klopp’s style of play, you will see what a team they are.

I believe that we all knows that it was a big gamble to bench Cristiano Ronaldo all through the game because if they had lost the game to Norway, most of the Portuguese fans and even those that are not associated with the nation will be calling for the head of the manager for not playing their difference maker Cristiano Ronaldo. I agree that he is no where near the player he uses to be, but he still has that killer instinct and that fear factor he brings to this Portuguese team, so it would have been better that he starts the game and removed like in the 60th minutes when the game is more tense and his strength might have faded already.

As for the Germans, what is actually wrong with them?
Because I was really surprised that they lost to an inferior team like the Greek team, no disrespect to them, but the Germans shouldn't be losing this game on their own turf, no matter how bad they are.

[liasbaa]

When Ronaldo isn't playing, everyone bets on Portugal and win. That's the general consensus I've seen over and over on local forums. Portugal is better without Ronaldo. Unfortunately that's the truth, even if his fans refuse to accept it. They secured an important victory against Norway. And it was on the road. That was crucial for taking the group lead.
For some reason Portugal is playing much better in this tournament than in other ones. The forward duo of Ramos and Felix is working better than Ronaldo Felix duo. They could finish the group on top and gain a major advantage again.

Let's say Ronaldo isn't that smart and sharp any more compared to the these young blood due to his age which I believe is the problem with him. It was a beautiful performance yesterday from the Portuguese team despite the threats from Norway. Let's just forget about Ronaldo and enjoy this tournament with all the entertainment in it.

I think that in the important matches ahead, Ronaldo will probably stay on the bench, as he did yesterday against a stronger opponent. He will still be given opportunities to play in some less important matches, so that he can score a few more goals. I think everyone understands that Ronaldo is already approaching the end of his career, and the main reason he continues to play is to give him the opportunity to reach the milestone of 1,000 goals in official matches.

Ronaldo is an inspiration for Portugal. If he plays on the bench, he is a strength for the players. I don't understand why he was rested, but Portugal played well against Norway without him. Portugal has some talented players who have performed well. João Félix in particular has been in great form and has scored 2 goals in 2 matches. He also scored a goal in the previous match against Wales, which Portugal won.

Ronaldo is nearing the end of his career. He must reach his 1000 goals target and he will probably be able to achieve that this season.

[AprilioMP]

As for the Germans, what is actually wrong with them?
Because I was really surprised that they lost to an inferior team like the Greek team, no disrespect to them, but the Germans shouldn't be losing this game on their own turf, no matter how bad they are.

Germany isn’t as bad as it seems, even though they lost to Greece. Klopp is doing something that will make this squad more solid going forward. He’s testing out several new players who seem different from the Nagelsmann-era squad. The current German squad is very different in terms of its players, and Klopp has already explained what he’s doing: if you want to criticize, direct your criticism at him—not at the new players who are projected to develop, as reported by Fabrizio Romano. I support that.

[Frankolala]

Let's say Ronaldo isn't that smart and sharp any more compared to the these young blood due to his age which I believe is the problem with him. It was a beautiful performance yesterday from the Portuguese team despite the threats from Norway. Let's just forget about Ronaldo and enjoy this tournament with all the entertainment in it.

Smart and sharp in what aspect? The mind? Body or what? Most of you on here go on disrespecting greatness. After Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe, and Harry Kane, Cristiano Ronaldo is the smartest of all strikers in the world. But I get it though, to everyone his own perspective so it is all fine and dandy. You want to forget about the first person who brought them their first ever international trophy in a long time? Pure delusion! Cristaino Ronaldo is as important as the president of Portugal to these Portuguese fanbase.

It's either you accept the fact or not that Ronaldo don't have the pace and sharpness he had ten years back because of his current age. I am not disrespecting him and it seems you don't get the message clearly. Why is Ronaldo not scoring and playing like he use to seven years back. You cannot stay young forever neither, can you cheat nature. This young boys currently, have the pace, sharpness and speed just like Ronaldo when he was of their age.

[Daniel91]

When Ronaldo isn't playing, everyone bets on Portugal and win. That's the general consensus I've seen over and over on local forums. Portugal is better without Ronaldo. Unfortunately that's the truth, even if his fans refuse to accept it. They secured an important victory against Norway. And it was on the road. That was crucial for taking the group lead.
For some reason Portugal is playing much better in this tournament than in other ones. The forward duo of Ramos and Felix is working better than Ronaldo Felix duo. They could finish the group on top and gain a major advantage again.

Let's say Ronaldo isn't that smart and sharp any more compared to the these young blood due to his age which I believe is the problem with him. It was a beautiful performance yesterday from the Portuguese team despite the threats from Norway. Let's just forget about Ronaldo and enjoy this tournament with all the entertainment in it.

I think that in the important matches ahead, Ronaldo will probably stay on the bench, as he did yesterday against a stronger opponent. He will still be given opportunities to play in some less important matches, so that he can score a few more goals. I think everyone understands that Ronaldo is already approaching the end of his career, and the main reason he continues to play is to give him the opportunity to reach the milestone of 1,000 goals in official matches.

Ronaldo is an inspiration for Portugal. If he plays on the bench, he is a strength for the players. I don't understand why he was rested, but Portugal played well against Norway without him. Portugal has some talented players who have performed well. João Félix in particular has been in great form and has scored 2 goals in 2 matches. He also scored a goal in the previous match against Wales, which Portugal won.

Ronaldo is nearing the end of his career. He must reach his 1000 goals target and he will probably be able to achieve that this season.

Of course Ronaldo is a footballing great and one of the best footballers of all time but that is the past.
The present is different for Ronaldo, and he will no longer play a big and important role for the Portuguese national team.
When Ronaldo plays, Portugal has 1 less player in defense and in attack Ronaldo's contribution to the team is not what it used to be, he is too slow and not efficient enough in attack.
It is obvious that Ronaldo is one of those players who does not know when to stop, and this is obviously the first Portuguese coach who had the courage not to put Ronaldo in the team and he should be congratulated for that.
I think Ronaldo has only 1 more goal in football and that is to be the first footballer to cross the magical mark of 1,000 goals in official matches.
Honestly, when Ronaldo has played for Portugal in important matches recently, the best bet has always been to bet against him and Portugal.
Without him, Portugal played great yesterday and beat a very strong Norway on their field.