⚽ UEFA Nations League ⚽ - Discussion Thread

[LGD2Business]

Germany's player pool is really deep. Klopp has called up many players and is trying to get the most out of them. There are new young players like Tom Bischof. He made his mark in this match. He and Aleksandar Pavlovic formed a strong midfield duo. Players who hadn't gotten much of a chance before also seized their opportunity, for example Treu.

When you look at this roster, players other than Gnabry, Wirtz and Woltemade would normally struggle to get playing time. But Klopp is giving everyone a chance and is also making the most of Germany's new generation.

As long as they beat Serbia, there's no problem with that. They used their chance to lose in Greece match. So far they've been dominating the game and haven't given Serbia a chance. 1 goal lead is still risky, Germany need to score a second goal. I think they'll press more early in the second half.

[Agbam]

Germany will play against Serbia in today's Nations League matches. Having lost to Greece despite playing at home, Germany is likely to defeat Serbia this time around. Meanwhile, Greece the surprise team of the group, will host the Netherlands. I am very curious to see if Greece can win again, as the Netherlands is a strong team with a high probability of defeating them. If Greece manages to beat the Netherlands with the support of their home fans, the group standings could look very different.

Another possible draw between Germany and Serbia. Serbia lost their first two games in a narrow defeat of 2 goals to 1. They will want to do their best to prevent Germany from taking all three points from this game. Germany are not really ready for this Nations League and might struggle to earn points from all indications. Greece against Netherlands should be strongly competitive. I am predicting Greece to take all three points and wrap the first leg with 9 points margin. For me the group standing might remain the same after this two fixtures.

Your prediction on Greece is proving to be correct, they’re already 2 goals up against the Netherlands just in the first half. I don’t know what the hell Greece ate to be playing this strong against these European giants. Though football is a game of two halves let’s wait to see what Netherlands will conjure.


I just observed Portugal didn’t waste time in giving out Ronaldo’s number to Raphael Leao, so does this mean he’s totally out of the Team or just this tournament.
I honestly don’t think he should have reacted the way he did tho, it was a good game for his team, he should have been happy for them.

[coinlary]

What the hell did I just read... He is the coach, he decides who plays and who doesn't. Ronaldo is behaving like a spoiled kid because he didn't play a match that Portugal managed to win. It's ridiculous. He is showing no respect at all for all his teammates because he basically made clear that if he doesn't play then he doesn't care about the national team. He's incredibly selfish.

It shouldn't be seen that way. If we're talking about a LEGEND like CR7, we shouldn't disrespect him. You know why? Because he's a legend. He's the only Portuguese player who has brought this country so much success. If you look at it, CR7 has suffered, he's enjoyed, he's given everything for his country in football, he's practically fought alone.

That's his main problem and why he keeps misbehaving everytime. So far, can you bodly tell that he performs well ( not even excellent )  in his position for the past 3 to 4 years?  No one is disrespecting him, it’s just fans thing.

Anytime Argentina losses a game even if messi had the highest rating, the focus will all be on Messi not performing well,  despite the fact that you can't really compare his performance on pitch to Ronaldos'.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with not playing him, he will obviously drag the team down a bit and since they are playing aginst such strong opponent and at the same time trying to secure just a goal difference,  do you thinking bringing him on the pitch will be a good decision?

He wasn't happy, despite the fact that they won and you don't  really think something is wrong with ts either .

[Joca97]

Germany's player pool is really deep. Klopp has called up many players and is trying to get the most out of them. There are new young players like Tom Bischof. He made his mark in this match. He and Aleksandar Pavlovic formed a strong midfield duo. Players who hadn't gotten much of a chance before also seized their opportunity, for example Treu.

When you look at this roster, players other than Gnabry, Wirtz and Woltemade would normally struggle to get playing time. But Klopp is giving everyone a chance and is also making the most of Germany's new generation.

As long as they beat Serbia, there's no problem with that. They used their chance to lose in Greece match. So far they've been dominating the game and haven't given Serbia a chance. 1 goal lead is still risky, Germany need to score a second goal. I think they'll press more early in the second half.

Germany has a huge pool of players but they dont have some huge superstars like they had 10 years ago but still a team for the top of the world. Germany currently really playing well and leading 2-0 against Serbia and Germany really looks dominant in this match and not giving Serbia a single chance to score or comeback in this game.

[Arenga pinnata]

It seems like some of today’s match results were unexpected. I didn’t think Norway would struggle against Wales, but well, the red card made things worse, and the score is currently 2-1 in Wales’ favor.

And Greece vs. the Netherlands has really surprised me, too. How is it that Greece is now leading 2-1 against the Netherlands? Will the Netherlands suffer the same fate as Germany? With this, I think we can really confirm Greece’s strength, right? However, since the match is still in progress, anything can still change. even though, well, there are only a few minutes left in the game.

[Lillominato89]

~

I wish I could be as optimistic as you are. But unfortunately, I now see the glass as half empty, if not completely empty. What we’re experiencing isn’t just a temporary crisis, but a genuine decline in Italian football! We’re no longer able to produce young talents as we once did; now we only have good players who are overrated, and that, sadly, is the grim reality. If the FIGC has no intention of taking action, we’ll witness an incredible collapse

It’s not such a collapse when you look a little further back in history. You won the 2006 WC, then finished second at EURO 2012, reached the quarter finals in 2016, and won EURO 2021. That’s simply the situation at the moment. It’s a fact that Italy has missed three WC in a row, but that dark streak will come to an end soon as well. You have to stay optimistic.

Honestly I agree with the guy from the previous post, the Italian football use to be terrifying and now they can't even compete and they are not even showing signs of producing the next players that would dominate, just check the big clubs in there domestic league and count how many Italian players are there. That small stat tells us alot about the nation. Missing 3 WC is a row is an abomination while teams like Bosnia & Herzegovina made it through, same with Serbia.

Not only have Bosnia and Serbia made it, but many other smaller nations have also qualified for the World Cup, whilst we – who boast a highly respectable record – have been absent from football’s premier competition for a full 12 years.
OK, we won the 2021 European Championship, but to be honest, we won it with a great deal of luck.
Now, not even with a great deal of luck will we manage to qualify for the World Cup, and I have already explained the reasons at length; I am absolutely convinced that this is the problem.

All it would take is a few rules requiring the use of Italian players, and all our problems would be solved.

[Taricoins]

It seems like some of today’s match results were unexpected. I didn’t think Norway would struggle against Wales, but well, the red card made things worse, and the score is currently 2-1 in Wales’ favor.

And Greece vs. the Netherlands has really surprised me, too. How is it that Greece is now leading 2-1 against the Netherlands? Will the Netherlands suffer the same fate as Germany? With this, I think we can really confirm Greece’s strength, right? However, since the match is still in progress, anything can still change. even though, well, there are only a few minutes left in the game.

Honestly I didn't expect this scoreline for both the Netherlands and Norwegian team, atleast the Holland team was better in terms of performance that the German team in play and even in the scoreline as the match is now tied at 2-2, an exhilarating game from one end of the pitch to the other. The bitter shock was Norway lost there match at Full time, 2-1.

Portugal seems to be doing well as Christiano Ronaldo absence from the team seems to be a blessing and a removal of extra baggage as they are flying especially playing with a team like Denmark

[Hypnotizer]

One team that has really taken me by surprise is Greece. The Greek national team seems to have returned to its former glory, just like when they won the EURO in 2004. Back then, they also pulled off a major upset by defeating Portugal in the final.
Will there be a similar upset this season? I’m quite curious.  

Greece started quite well winning their first two games against Serbia and even Germany but I don’t think they’ll be an upset this tournament, times have changed a lot..

However, today they’ll face the Netherlands, and I doubt Greece will manage to pull off a win. Although I thought the same thing when they played Germany, and as it turned out, they actually won that match. But if Greece does manage to beat the Netherlands today, then yes, Greece’s strength definitely deserves to be taken seriously this time around.

After the first half, it seems as if Greece can win this match against Netherlands but the Netherlands were able to comeback in the second half to draw the game. Xavi hasn’t lost any game so far since he escaped this one.

Wiith this Greece’s performance in today’s game, I don’t see them causing any havoc in this tournament.

[Arenga pinnata]

It seems like some of today’s match results were unexpected. I didn’t think Norway would struggle against Wales, but well, the red card made things worse, and the score is currently 2-1 in Wales’ favor.

And Greece vs. the Netherlands has really surprised me, too. How is it that Greece is now leading 2-1 against the Netherlands? Will the Netherlands suffer the same fate as Germany? With this, I think we can really confirm Greece’s strength, right? However, since the match is still in progress, anything can still change. even though, well, there are only a few minutes left in the game.

Honestly I didn't expect this scoreline for both the Netherlands and Norwegian team, atleast the Holland team was better in terms of performance that the German team in play and even in the scoreline as the match is now tied at 2-2, an exhilarating game from one end of the pitch to the other. The bitter shock was Norway lost there match at Full time, 2-1.

Earning a draw against the Netherlands was actually a good result for Greece, even though they certainly hoped to win at home, since away games are always more difficult. But once again, a draw is better than a loss and getting no points at all.

Norway was a bit unlucky, while Wales, on the other hand, was the lucky one. The problem now, however, is that Norway has lost two games in a row, so their position is a bit precarious. Norway is currently ranked third in Group D, which means they can’t afford to lose any more matches going forward.

[xLays]

I'm really surprised by what Greece is doing here in the Nations League. They almost beat the Netherlands and if Reijnders hadn't scored, the Netherlands would have lost. Greece also remains unbeaten in their group and is currently leading the table.

I'm not really familiar with how the Nations League groupstage works. How many games do they have left? Is Germany already eliminated since they're currently 3rd in the group? How many matches are left before we know who advances?

[Merit.s]

This particular match is a shocker for me, it's halfway through the entire game and Greece are completely greasing Holland by two goals to nothing and it would have even gotten worse as they have missed some good clear chances. I for one never taught I will see the scoreline like this by halftime but there is still a whole 45minutes to still play in this game so maybe Holland can still adjust and make things work out and who knows, probably get their head back into the game.

The second half was a different one as Netherland played hard to make sure the equalize all the two goals even though, they were unable to win the game due to two offside goals before they finally, had a breakthrough for the equalizer. It was a late one which gave them little chance to score another goal.

Greece performance in the first half was amazing and I didn't expect that. However, they couldn't hold on to the lead till the end of the game due to the excessive pressure from Netherland on their defense.

[Freeveto]

It seems like some of today’s match results were unexpected. I didn’t think Norway would struggle against Wales, but well, the red card made things worse, and the score is currently 2-1 in Wales’ favor.

And Greece vs. the Netherlands has really surprised me, too. How is it that Greece is now leading 2-1 against the Netherlands? Will the Netherlands suffer the same fate as Germany? With this, I think we can really confirm Greece’s strength, right? However, since the match is still in progress, anything can still change. even though, well, there are only a few minutes left in the game.

Matches do start like that, but the red card Norway got earlier in the second half ruined everything because their second half plan will just go off once the received the red card because the 1-1 they played in the first half was a fair game for both teams, and I was expecting Norway to come back better, and that red card spoiled everything for Norway it was after the red card that they conceded the second goal and the match ended like that because they couldn’t go front like before, they will have to defend to maintain the score line.

For that if Greece, I didn’t expect a draw. I totally expect Netherlands to win the match, but they could have even lost the game because they were losing 2-0 at halftime, but they tried in the second half and was able to equalize, they couldn’t win because of time because they they made effort to win the match, but time stopped it when they were serious.

[Livingleged]

And Greece vs. the Netherlands has really surprised me, too. How is it that Greece is now leading 2-1 against the Netherlands? Will the Netherlands suffer the same fate as Germany? With this, I think we can really confirm Greece’s strength, right? However, since the match is still in progress, anything can still change. even though, well, there are only a few minutes left in the game.

I don’t know why people always think less of this Greece team, I’m not really surprised at what they are playing currently, I knew they will not lose the game even before the match started. did you not see them beat Germany? If they were capable of beating Germany then winning Netherlands should not be much of a surprise though. Netherlands was just lucky to get that late goal by Reijnders to steal a 2-2 draw from the game I must say.

[Joeboy]

Germany's player pool is really deep. Klopp has called up many players and is trying to get the most out of them. There are new young players like Tom Bischof. He made his mark in this match. He and Aleksandar Pavlovic formed a strong midfield duo. Players who hadn't gotten much of a chance before also seized their opportunity, for example Treu.

When you look at this roster, players other than Gnabry, Wirtz and Woltemade would normally struggle to get playing time. But Klopp is giving everyone a chance and is also making the most of Germany's new generation.

As long as they beat Serbia, there's no problem with that. They used their chance to lose in Greece match. So far they've been dominating the game and haven't given Serbia a chance. 1 goal lead is still risky, Germany need to score a second goal. I think they'll press more early in the second half.

Germany has a huge pool of players but they dont have some huge superstars like they had 10 years ago but still a team for the top of the world. Germany currently really playing well and leading 2-0 against Serbia and Germany really looks dominant in this match and not giving Serbia a single chance to score or comeback in this game.

Germany had a very wonderful performance overall...Not like I even expected anything less than they performed today, since the match happened right there in their own home ground...So of course they had the home advantage and all... But my concern here is that I really hope they can keep on with this performance they showed today coz if I am honest, I don't really have that confidence initially had with the german machine...During the time of Muller, Kroos, Gotze, Ozil and the like, at least I had more confidence in that their previous squad that the ones now...Klopp needs more experienced attackers, then defender and possibly mid-fielders...it wouldn't be all their nice if the same elimination experience they had in WC repeat itself in this Nation league...

[Ummeettaa]

It wouldn't be accurate to attribute this success solely to a "golden generation," because new players coming through the ranks continue to operate within the same system and structure.
In my opinion, Barcelona's style of play makes the biggest contribution to this.
Years ago, the "tiki-taka" system was introduced thanks to Pep, and the managers who followed have continued to play using that same system. If you look closely, the backbone of the Spanish national team is consistently made up of Barcelona players.
As long as the system remains intact, this success could continue for another decade.

Am in full support of your opinion that the style of Barca makes the biggest contribution to the  past and currently play of Spain, and not the attributes of any golden generations.

Barcelona players have been the ones for decades that have been dominating and helping the Spanish National team, win matches and trophies till date.

Just imagining not having all the Barca players playing in the national team, who on the Spanish squad currently can make a replacement for Lamin and can perform the way he is.

The kudos should be mostly given to Barcelona for their style of play, and grooming world class players.

[9ja Amaka]

Germany will play against Serbia in today's Nations League matches. Having lost to Greece despite playing at home, Germany is likely to defeat Serbia this time around. Meanwhile, Greece the surprise team of the group, will host the Netherlands. I am very curious to see if Greece can win again, as the Netherlands is a strong team with a high probability of defeating them. If Greece manages to beat the Netherlands with the support of their home fans, the group standings could look very different.

Another possible draw between Germany and Serbia. Serbia lost their first two games in a narrow defeat of 2 goals to 1. They will want to do their best to prevent Germany from taking all three points from this game. Germany are not really ready for this Nations League and might struggle to earn points from all indications. Greece against Netherlands should be strongly competitive. I am predicting Greece to take all three points and wrap the first leg with 9 points margin. For me the group standing might remain the same after this two fixtures.

Your prediction on Greece is proving to be correct, they’re already 2 goals up against the Netherlands just in the first half. I don’t know what the hell Greece ate to be playing this strong against these European giants. Though football is a game of two halves let’s wait to see what Netherlands will conjure.


I just observed Portugal didn’t waste time in giving out Ronaldo’s number to Raphael Leao, so does this mean he’s totally out of the Team or just this tournament.
I honestly don’t think he should have reacted the way he did tho, it was a good game for his team, he should have been happy for them.

Messi fans are supporting Portugal tonight. Football is really crazy. Ronaldo fans are expecting Portugal to be losing, but to there greatest surprise the team keep on winning.

Rafael wore the number 7 jersey for Portugal. The fans who don’t like what the home team did throw shades on Rafael. People are not happy with the new system.

[pawel7777]

We had quite a few draws today. Out of 8 games played, 5 ended in a draw (62.5%). That must've messed up a lot of betting coupons.
I thought Denmark was a safe bet, but I was very wrong. I guess I underestimated the Welsh. They grabbed a 2-1 win, but a red card to Norway's Heggem was a massive help. I doubt they would have won if not for that.

Portugal with a big 4-2 win over Denmark. This doesn't look great for Cristiano Ronaldo. It seems like Portugal's attack has improved post his departure. But it's hard to judge after only 2 games.

[Jessie2121]

Portugal with a big 4-2 win over Denmark. This doesn't look great for Cristiano Ronaldo. It seems like Portugal's attack has improved post his departure. But it's hard to judge after only 2 games.

This is one of the reasons why I wanted to see how the Portugal national team would be like without Ronaldo, it seems to be better without him. Portugal was all over Denmark even if they tried to give Portugal a tougher battle it still does affect the way they played, at least for ones I saw Bruno flexing the midfield with Vitinha, no much complain and they got the job done. This should not be the end for Ronaldo playing for the national because I still expect him to come back and continue from where he left but the problem is can he stay and motivate the younger players even if he's not in the starting line up? That is where he is having a bigger challenge, well I love to even see Portugal without Ronaldo, he's another problem the players have, they are too slow like a clueless team on the pitch but in their last 2 games everything was a bit better and I'd love to see another approach that is if they can continue with this aggressive manner and winning the game before ending the international break.

[Abu-Naim]

Portugal with a big 4-2 win over Denmark. This doesn't look great for Cristiano Ronaldo. It seems like Portugal's attack has improved post his departure. But it's hard to judge after only 2 games.

Cristiano Ronaldo should accept the reality of life; he is not a young player anymore, he is almost 41 years of age, he don’t expect his performance to be at the highest level and expected to start all matches when if he is in the field he can be considered as a minus player because his impact is not much in the team anymore, he should have just did as Messi did since he even tried in the World Cup and he couldn’t win anything, he should avoid all these dramas if he retires from football since he has won almost everything, and no matter what, he will remain there because the memories they bring are mean to be remembered.

Now the team has won a match without him, they should just focus on building their team and stop relying on individual performance, so that when one is not there, the team can survive.

[tiCeR]

...

yes,imo root cause of these failures is the problem with talent production in German football...
in fact, Lahm offered a great critique on this subject when Klopp took charge. Concepts like a defensive culture and one on one duel techniques are simply not being taught in youth academies. in terms of sheer fighting discipline it falls far behind South American football discipline. and that's not something you can teach during a brief 3 to 5 day national team camp anyway.

I would see it in a slightly different way. When you look at Spain, judging by their way of playing, you can tell what they are taught in youth academies. When you watch German football, you can't tell what they are taught in youth academies.

I think this is what makes it so distinguishable, Spain knows what they are doing and it reflects on all youth players in a very effective way. Some other nations benefit from their talents of course. You don't need much of a youth academy when there are nonstop talents like Dembele and Mbappe, but in Germany, which was once known for very disciplined football, you don't see any of that these days.