⚽ UEFA Nations League ⚽ - Discussion Thread

[Silence Scream]

Well, of course Portugal are winning, now the are playing with 11 players on the pitch instead of 10
I have a huge respect for Ronaldo of course but he should have retired from the national team even before the World Cup. Of course he wanted to play to break another record, but I wonder how the teammates lived that situation, I would bet many of them very quite tired of him but of course they can't say it loud.

I am a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, and i am completely against him walking away from Portugal camp despite the disagreement between him and Jorge Jesus, because every player in a team must play by the rules of their coach. Cristiano Ronaldo was in a good shape to play for his national team in the world cup, so i completely disagree with you that he should have retired even before the world cup but however he should have retired after the world cup after it was clear his presence was no longer needed in the Portugal national team.

For a player like him to be in the national team is not just about records. His experience, goal-scoring ability, dressing-room influence and his behaviour in match situations are also important, and I don't think he was unworthy of them. Also, the other players in his team feel lucky to have played with him. But he has to play according to the tactics that the coach shows him. If no one can give him the ball according to his position, then no striker can be successful.

His experience alone is invaluable for the Portuguese players. Cristiano Ronaldo is a football legend who has achieved so much for Portugal. In my opinion, the way this situation has unfolded is unfair to him. Do you know if he has retired from his national team career yet? I hope he hasn't, and that Portugal organizes a proper farewell match for him.

[Audrey Simmons]

It will be so bad if Croatia go ahead to concede many goals today again. I know that they are not in good condition, and we can't use Spain to compare with them in any way, but still, they are not that bad that every team will likely be scoring them many goals.Croatia last match against England just felt like it was lucky that things played much in England's favor for them to score so many goals like that.

Croatia are not playing like they used to, it was disappointing to see that final result against England, that was the highest goal difference in a single match in this Nations League, even without scoring a single goal. We should not be expecting the same outcome with the Spain game too, though Spain would likely win but it would mot be such a smooth win for them.

There is no hope for them in qualifying for the quarter finals, it was not so good for them this year but it could be better next year.

[Tongley]

I am a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, and i am completely against him walking away from Portugal camp despite the disagreement between him and Jorge Jesus, because every player in a team must play by the rules of their coach. Cristiano Ronaldo was in a good shape to play for his national team in the world cup, so i completely disagree with you that he should have retired even before the world cup but however he should have retired after the world cup after it was clear his presence was no longer needed in the Portugal national team.

Jesus has nothing against Ronaldo continuing to play for the Portuguese national team, but Jesus says that he will only put players on the pitch who, in his opinion, are best prepared for that particular match. And since Ronaldo is no longer young, it is reasonable to assume that there are players in the Portugal squad who are currently in better form than Ronaldo.

By the way, Jesus said that Ronaldo will be called up for Portugal’s next official matches if he wants to join the team. As for the World Cup, I don’t know, I didn’t like the way Ronaldo played. I feel that in some situations he even slowed down Portugal’s attacks.

It is never possible to run a team with emotions, the decision that Jesus has taken is for the good of the team. Many Cristiano fans may wonder if Cristiano is not a good player, yes, Cristiano is definitely a very good player, there is no doubt about that, but Cristiano's current performance is very bad, there are many better performing players than him, giving them a chance is definitely the best decision.

If Cristiano's performance improves in the future, then he will definitely be seen in the team again and if his performance does not show signs of improvement and further deterioration is observed, then we can expect to see the same picture as we have seen.

[Rashlyowl]

Even his performance level is still good but now time to do things for long run Portugal needs he play limited and give opportunities to other players for doing as they are having their potential with their current performance level and remaining matches most chances they will be ended without losing any match at top this could be big boost for them but still they needed to be end off the field issues because they are also not good for any team while Cristiano Ronaldo also needed to understand about situation.

I like the part I highlighted, he is a legend & the greatest player in the history of the Portugal national team, but that won't last forever, he needs to give those young players a chance. Portugal now leads Group D, with two games remaining to be played next month.

Winning or losing those two games likely won't affect Portugal position in the table, so I think they are the perfect opportunity to bring Cristiano back into the lineup, playing without risk.

[Shadiq]

Croatia are not playing like they used to, it was disappointing to see that final result against England, that was the highest goal difference in a single match in this Nations League, even without scoring a single goal. We should not be expecting the same outcome with the Spain game too, though Spain would likely win but it would mot be such a smooth win for them.

There is no hope for them in qualifying for the quarter finals, it was not so good for them this year but it could be better next year.

Croatia is no longer a star-studded team and their performance is not what it used to be. There has been a big difference in performance, they were a great team in 2022. But their recent performance does not make them a good team in any way. Rather, they are now an ordinary team in Europe. Their defeat against England was their real position, England made them understand that they need to improve.

They have no chance against Spain tonight either. My only hope for them is that they do not repeat the performance and scorecard of the last match. Spain's attack is stronger than England's, there is a possibility of a big defeat against Spain.

[GbitG]

What's up fans.....!!!
Today we have two great matches (Sapin vs Croatia and England vs Czechia) both match has been ticking for kick. Sapin are the dominat force of teg tournament like they are unbeaten in matches. Despite England has lose own match. So both will be quite optimistic about each other like England will be happy if Sapin drop any points despite England dropping point will give a better advantage to Spain for pass the standing table with higher points......


What did you think Guys. Sapin can drop a point or not. For me it's impossible because they already in great form and still are in intense push to get one more title after world cup. Despite for England it's an easy match and I hope there will be no hurdleness for them.

Let's see what happens next.

[Arenga pinnata]

Croatia are not playing like they used to, it was disappointing to see that final result against England, that was the highest goal difference in a single match in this Nations League, even without scoring a single goal. We should not be expecting the same outcome with the Spain game too, though Spain would likely win but it would mot be such a smooth win for them.

There is no hope for them in qualifying for the quarter finals, it was not so good for them this year but it could be better next year.

Croatia does look different these days. They’re not as strong as they used to be. So in the current Nations League, I personally don’t have high hopes for this team. Clearly, this team needs a better young generation, and I don’t see them moving in that direction. In the match against Spain that just kicked off, I think we might very well see Croatia concede quite a few goals again. Especially given Spain’s reputation for being highly prolific in scoring goals, I wouldn’t be surprised if more than two goals find their way past Croatia’s defense. And if Croatia manages to hold Spain to a draw, that alone would seem like a miracle.

[Tmoonz]

Well, of course Portugal are winning, now the are playing with 11 players on the pitch instead of 10
I have a huge respect for Ronaldo of course but he should have retired from the national team even before the World Cup. Of course he wanted to play to break another record, but I wonder how the teammates lived that situation, I would bet many of them very quite tired of him but of course they can't say it loud.

I am a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo, and i am completely against him walking away from Portugal camp despite the disagreement between him and Jorge Jesus, because every player in a team must play by the rules of their coach. Cristiano Ronaldo was in a good shape to play for his national team in the world cup, so i completely disagree with you that he should have retired even before the world cup but however he should have retired after the world cup after it was clear his presence was no longer needed in the Portugal national team.

For a player like him to be in the national team is not just about records. His experience, goal-scoring ability, dressing-room influence and his behaviour in match situations are also important, and I don't think he was unworthy of them. Also, the other players in his team feel lucky to have played with him. But he has to play according to the tactics that the coach shows him. If no one can give him the ball according to his position, then no striker can be successful.

His experience alone is invaluable for the Portuguese players. Cristiano Ronaldo is a football legend who has achieved so much for Portugal. In my opinion, the way this situation has unfolded is unfair to him. Do you know if he has retired from his national team career yet? I hope he hasn't, and that Portugal organizes a proper farewell match for him.

What do you mean he should not retire from the Portuguese National team yet? Like after all that is happening, the hate, the critics, and the  insults on him, and you still suggest he should not retire yet? Either a farewell match or not it won't change the fact that he's the face of the Portuguese National team now and in years to come, so the Portuguese FA and Jorge Jesus should bounce, he's bigger than them and that's final, they can equally wait for Bruno Fernandes to retire so they will play him a farewell match, as for Cristiano Ronaldo he's gone and gone for good.

[Alex077]

France 4 - 1 Belgium

France had won previous match against Belgium 1-0. It was highly competitive match. I was fairly certain that France would win this match as well. However, it was unexpected that Belgium would play so poorly.
Looking at performance of Belgian player, it didn't even seem like they wanted to win this match. Their gameplay, especially in second half was extremely frustrating.
Belgium scored the opening goal and led 1-0 at halftime. Bommel likely thought that adopting defensive strategy in second half would allow him to hold off France. That proved to be disastrous decision. They gave France opportunity to attack. And conceded four goal after 75th minute.

Today's match between Croatia and Spain promises to be very entertaining as well. match is live now. Spain had won their home match 4-1. Croatia will certainly be looking for revenge today. But performing well against this Spanish squad and Coach de la Fuente's tactics is extremely difficult.

[Arenga pinnata]

What do you mean he should not retire from the Portuguese National team yet? Like after all that is happening, the hate, the critics, and the  insults on him, and you still suggest he should not retire yet? Either a farewell match or not it won't change the fact that he's the face of the Portuguese National team now and in years to come, so the Portuguese FA and Jorge Jesus should bounce, he's bigger than them and that's final, they can equally wait for Bruno Fernandes to retire so they will play him a farewell match, as for Cristiano Ronaldo he's gone and gone for good.

To be honest, right now I’d actually prefer it if Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t return to play for Portugal, even if Portugal asks him to come back. Because after seeing what Portugal did to CR7 and all the criticism directed at him, I’d rather CR7 stand his ground and let Portugal regret not giving him one last game alongside a legendary player they should have respected more. And to be honest, I’ve actually been watching every Portugal match all this time just because I wanted to see CR7 out there. After CR7 left, I’ve lost a lot of interest in watching this team. Although sometimes I still make time to watch them because one of my favorite players is João Félix, and seeing him consistently start makes me happy. From the start, I’d have preferred it if Portugal had given CR7 more playing time in every match, even if it was just for half the game. For example, he could be brought in during the first half and then immediately substituted at the start of the second half. Or there should have been better communication if he wasn’t going to play, rather than a statement from a coach who seemed to treat this legendary player as just another ordinary player. Because the fact is, CR7 is more than just an ordinary player in the world of soccer, and that’s exactly how the Portuguese national team should treat him. It would be ironic if, one day, there were a farewell match for another Portuguese player who is retiring.


wow I was surprised that Croatia managed to score the first goal of the match

[Chilwell]

His experience alone is invaluable for the Portuguese players. Cristiano Ronaldo is a football legend who has achieved so much for Portugal. In my opinion, the way this situation has unfolded is unfair to him. Do you know if he has retired from his national team career yet? I hope he hasn't, and that Portugal organizes a proper farewell match for him.

I don't really like how he was treated, but I begin to reason that in football you are only admired if you are giving them what they want at that particular moment. Cristiano Ronaldo is a great player which I believe he should be respected, even though he is no more playing again, due to what he has achieved for the Portuguese national team. I don't know what is wrong with the young Portuguese player that are eager to be left alone without Cristiano Ronaldo. I don't know how others will feel, but the way I was seeing their reaction even when he was on the pitch is absolutely bad, because I believe one day they will be in this position which if they are treated this way, they will definitely feel bad.

[Btcdeybodi]

France 4 - 1 Belgium

France had won previous match against Belgium 1-0. It was highly competitive match. I was fairly certain that France would win this match as well. However, it was unexpected that Belgium would play so poorly.
Looking at performance of Belgian player, it didn't even seem like they wanted to win this match. Their gameplay, especially in second half was extremely frustrating.
Belgium scored the opening goal and led 1-0 at halftime. Bommel likely thought that adopting defensive strategy in second half would allow him to hold off France. That proved to be disastrous decision. They gave France opportunity to attack. And conceded four goal after 75th minute.

While you are condemning the performance of Belgium, also acknowledge the resilience of France because even after they conceded a goal in the first half, they came back stronger in the second half and did a comeback. France and Spain are just 2 teams that you will never conclude that they will lose a match till it has ended. I wouldn't say that Belgium was that poor in their performance, they weren't, just that France outperformed them towards the ending minutes of the game.

Today's match between Croatia and Spain promises to be very entertaining as well. match is live now. Spain had won their home match 4-1. Croatia will certainly be looking for revenge today. But performing well against this Spanish squad and Coach de la Fuente's tactics is extremely difficult.

After Croatia lost on a whooping 7:0 defeat to England in their last match, it seems they are more stronger in today's match against Spain and in order for them not to experience similar result as it was against England, they quickly scored the first goal against Spain which will help them to at least put up a great fight before any changes might occur probably in the second half.

[Salahmu]

Croatia are not playing like they used to, it was disappointing to see that final result against England, that was the highest goal difference in a single match in this Nations League, even without scoring a single goal. We should not be expecting the same outcome with the Spain game too, though Spain would likely win but it would mot be such a smooth win for them.

For a country that conceded 7 goals to England I didn't believe they would be as strong as wining Spain on the first half, is quite unbelievable from Spain, perhaps it was the different formation from Lambrechts that made them more stable because when it was against England Croatia defense and forward was a setback to them but with there different tactics now it has made both their defense, midfield and attack more effective because even when Spain was forcing there way Croatia has been excellently defending well but meanwhile I don't think is possible for Croatia to win Spain on this game know matter how they defend.

[MK-74]

It’s an easy match for England, they haven’t even allowed Czechia to get more accurate shots on target and they finished the first half 2-0 ahead.
I’m expecting a few more goals from England in the second half.

Croatia finished the first half 1-0 ahead but I’m not sure if they can hold on to that score against Spain. Spain’s problem right now is that they need to create more chances, i think they will score at least one goal in the second half.

[hmbdofficial]

For a country that conceded 7 goals to England I didn't believe they would be as strong as wining Spain on the first half, is quite unbelievable from Spain, perhaps it was the different formation from Lambrechts that made them more stable because when it was against England Croatia defense and forward was a setback to them but with there different tactics now it has made both their defense, midfield and attack more effective because even when Spain was forcing there way Croatia has been excellently defending well but meanwhile I don't think is possible for Croatia to win Spain on this game know matter how they defend.

This kind of performance was what I expected from the Croatia team against England few days ago, but I was disappointed how it ended. Today they are playing with about five midfielders Which made it very difficult for Spain to dominate the game as Spain are know to be a ball playing teams with best midfielders in the world currently.
The tactics worked as far as I’m concerned with the first half played and Croatia is leading 1-0, even though I know the Spanish team will try to make something different in the second half, I think today might be a really difficult one for them with the kind of qualities I’m seeing at the Croatia midfield. just that they might get tired easily as most of them are not as young as the Spain players.

[Adbitco]

For a team who failed to register a single goal against England while taking in 7, today they are currently winning Spain who has been unstoppable for about 2 years now, it's above 50 minutes, I went to check the lineup of Spain and found out it's still the same players who has been playing. Are we going to still see another France Vs Belgium or it's Croatia that's going to end their 40 games unbeaten run! Football can actually be funny, who would have thought of Croatia still leading up this this minute, even having better attempts than Spain.

[Arenga pinnata]

It’s an easy match for England, they haven’t even allowed Czechia to get more accurate shots on target and they finished the first half 2-0 ahead.
I’m expecting a few more goals from England in the second half.

Croatia finished the first half 1-0 ahead but I’m not sure if they can hold on to that score against Spain. Spain’s problem right now is that they need to create more chances, i think they will score at least one goal in the second half.

At first, I underestimated Croatia a bit. But it seems this team might actually perform a little better in this match. For example, in the first half, we saw Croatia truly manage to contain Spain’s attack by putting up a solid defense, and conversely, Croatia was able to mount more active attacks. But well, it seems Spain will also be able to score a goal in the second half, which is currently underway. A draw is certainly possible. But other outcomes are also possible, such as Spain turning the tide or Croatia managing to hold onto its lead.

England is playing as well as expected; they’re now even leading 3-0. As the host team, the English national team is upholding the pride of its fans by winning this match with a satisfying result.

[BIT-BENDER]

Spain doing what they do best. It was always comings, Spain has been cooking since the start of the second half and Croatia let them get into their groove which is a very big  mistake.
It's not been the best Spanish dominance but it's been a match where Spain has won all the statistics.
There is still more goals in this for Spain although if they ignore the Croatian threats they will get punish.

[Arenga pinnata]

Spain doing what they do best. It was always comings, Spain has been cooking since the start of the second half and Croatia let them get into their groove which is a very big  mistake.
It's not been the best Spanish dominance but it's been a match where Spain has won all the statistics.
There is still more goals in this for Spain although if they ignore the Croatian threats they will get punish.

On one hand, Spain has indeed started to build their attacks more effectively than in the first half. But Croatia also seems capable of keeping pace in building their own attacks, even if not as well as in the first half. However, Croatia is clearly at a disadvantage right now because they’re down to 10 men after Ivan Perisic received a red card. And I think this is Spain’s chance to turn the tide by scoring one or two more goals. Croatia will try to play purely defensively from this point on, since their offense won’t be as effective as it was before Ivan Perišić received a red card.

[9ja Amaka]

After today's England and Czechia match, Harry Kane is breaking a new record for the national team.

Harry has now scored 91 goals for England in his 125th appearance. He has now equaled Peter Shilton's all-time England most appearances record. He scored a brace against Croatia and has also scored a brace today against Czechia.

This record is incredible. Averaging 0.73 goals per game for England, almost 1 goal per game.