UEFA Nations League: What to look out for on Matchday 3

New Delhi: The UEFA Nations League is all set to make a return from tomorrow. Football fans are brimming with excitement for what promises to be a thrilling Matchday 3. Italy are riding high on a wave of momentum from two consecutive victories as they look to solidify their resurgence. Meanwhile, Spain continues to gain traction, eager to capitalize on their upward trajectory. With both teams in fine form, the upcoming matchweek presents an intriguing clash of styles and ambitions, setting the stage for captivating encounters that could shape the course of the tournament. Let’s delve into the key storylines and matchups to watch as the action unfolds.

Matchday 3 fixtures

10 October 2024, Thursday

Moldova vs Andorra – 9:30 pm

Latvia vs North Macedonia – 9:30 pm

11 October 2024, Friday

England vs Greece – 12:15 am

Gibraltar vs San Marino – 12:15 am

Finland vs Ireland – 12:15 am

Austria vs Kazakhstan – 12:15 am

Israel vs France – 12:15 am

Norway vs Slovenia – 12:15 am

Faroe Islands vs Armenia – 12:15 am

Itlay vs Belgium – 12:15 am

Estonia vs Azerbaijan – 9:30 pm

12 October 2024, Saturday

Hungary vs Netherlands – 12:15 am

Turkey vs Montenegro – 12:15 am

Ukraine vs Georgia – 12:15 am

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Germany – 12:15 am

Slovakia vs Sweden – 12:15 am

Iceland vs Walves – 12:15 am

Czechia vs Albania – 12:15 am

Lithuania vs Kosovo – 6:30 pm

Croatia vs Scotland – 9:30 pm

13 October 2024, Sunday

Belarus vs Nothern Ireland – 12:15 am

Poland vs Portugal – 12:15 am

Serbia vs Switzerland – 12:15 am

Cyprus vs Romania – 12:15 am

Spain vs Denmark – 12:15 am

Key fixtures  

Italy to continue winning streak

After their round of 16 exit at Euro 2024, Italy has made a sparkling start in Group A2 and is looking for a third successive win as they face Belgium in Rome on Friday at midnight. Luciano Spalletti’s side delivered their best performance on matchday 1 with a 3-1 victory over France.

Following that match, he stated about his side’s positive future, “We were able to show what we weren’t able to show in previous matches. Beyond the result, we want to continue in this way. This is the DNA of this group. This is a group that can give us fantastic results.”

Meanwhile, Belgium are eager to end their long drought against the Azzurri. The Red Devils last won a competitive game against Italy in May 1972. Their most recent loss came in the 2021 Nations League, where they finished third after losing 2-1.

England faces tough challenge from Greece

England is level on points in Group B2 with their next opponents. Greece will be coming to Wembley and is expected to present tough competition for the hosts. The Three Lions’ forward, Harry Kane, might be missing from the starting lineup as he sustained a leg injury during a Bayern Munich match against Eintracht Frankfurt. He was seen training individually, and if he recovers fully, he might come on as a substitute.

Kane marked his 100th appearance for England on matchday 2 with two goals and if he manages to score two more, his tally will reach 70. England will aim to make it three for three under the new manager Lee Carsley.

Meanwhile, Greece have won more national games than any other country since the tournament’s inception. The Pirate Ship have comfortably beaten Finland 3-0 and Ireland 2-0 in the opening fixtures but Wembley will witness a tough fight as both sides look to keep their winning streak alive. 

Georgia riding high 

After earning considerable admiration at Euro 2024 Georgia are looking confident and strong, having already picked up two wins against Czechia and Albania. Currently sitting at the top of the standings in Group B1 they will lock horns with fourth-placed Ukraine. 

The Crusaders can pile the pressure on Serhiy Rebrov’s men in Poland. Though in their five encounters in all competitions, Ukraine has won three times and drawn two games, their current form makes this a daunting task for the underdogs.

Germany’s rebuilding process

Euro 2024 marked the end of an era for Germany. The retirement of star players such as Manuel Neuer and Toni Kross signifies the beginning of reconstruction work for manager Julian Nagelsmann. 

Thus far, Deutschland have kept their mark in the points table winning 5-0 against Hungary followed by a 2-2 draw in the Netherlands, marking VfB Stuttgart’s Denoz Undav’s first start with a goal. 

The upcoming match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica will mark their first competitive meeting. Bosnia’s ex-Wolfsburg forward Edin Dzeko remains a serious goal threat at the age of 38, presenting a strong test for Germany’s backline.  

Spain welcome unbeaten Denmark

Spain after winning the Euro 2024 are second in Group A4 with four points. Coach Luis de la Fuente put his side down to “work, work, and more work” after the Euro triumph and his side still continues to fight for each other, having drawn 0-0 in Serbia followed by a 4-1 win in Switzerland after being reduced to 10 men just 20 minutes into the match.

Matchday 3 awaits another great clash against the group toppers Denmark. De Rød-Hvide have won their first two games under their new manager Lars Knudsen without conceding. 

 Italy aims for a third victory, Spain demonstrates the power of perseverance, and Germany’s rebuild shows promise. Discover what’s next in the UEFA Nations League!  Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today