UEFA Nations League: Key fixtures to look ahead on matchday 5 and where to watch?

New Delhi: The UEFA Nations League returns for the final International break of the year, bringing fans another thrilling matchday with several pivotal clashes. With the tournament progressing, teams are battling to secure quarter-final spots or stay in contention. The tournament has already provided us with a lot of special moments and exciting matches and matchday five seems set to provide similar action.

This matchday’s fixture list, like any other Nations League matchdays, has a few marquee matches that fans can forward to as well. Certain key matches are sure to stand out above the rest given the quality of opposition from both sides. A lot of these games are repeat fixtures from earlier matchdays which adds a layer of intrigue to these games. Dive in to find out which are the key matches taking place tonight and where to watch them.

Portugal vs Poland (1:15 AM IST)

Portugal will play host to Poland at the Estádio do Dragão, needing just a draw to confirm their quarter-final berth. Their 0-0 draw against Scotland last matchday left them short of qualification, with head coach Roberto Martínez lamenting a lack of “final pass and magic inside the area.” With players like Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva aiming to showcase their creativity, the team will be keen to find the back of the net this time.

Poland, however, desperately needs a win to keep their qualification hopes alive. Coach Michał Probierz has emphasized the need for a more resilient defense after a 3-3 thriller against Croatia. Having not beaten Portugal since 2006, the Polish side will need a massive performance in Porto if they hope to spoil Portugal’s party. The Polish would come out with all guns blazing as it’s a do-or-die encounter for them and Roberto Martinez’s men need to be vary of that.

Prediction: Portugal 2-1 Poland

Belgium vs Italy (1:15 AM IST)

In Brussels, Belgium faces a massive challenge against Italy, who top Group A2 and remain undefeated in the tournament. Italy’s impressive 4-1 win over Israel saw a debut goal for Daniel Maldini, who joins his legendary family in the Azzurri legacy. Coach Luciano Spalletti’s side need just a draw to guarantee a quarter-final spot. Heading into the game in good form against an inconsistent Belgium side, Italy would feel confident about their chances of progressing.

Belgium’s coach Domenico Tedesco, an Italian himself, knows the challenge that lies ahead. The Red Devils haven’t beaten Italy in a competitive match since 1972, and they’ll need to do so tonight to keep their quarter-final dreams alive. This Belgium side isn’t close to the one that were dumped out by the Azzurri in UEFA Euro 2020 so beating them would be a tough challenge for Tedesco’s men. Can Belgium finally break their 52-year winless streak against Italy, or will the Azzurri remain unbeaten?

Prediction: Belgium 1-1 Italy

Greece vs England (1:15 AM IST)

England will seek redemption when they face Greece in a crucial UEFA Nations League match in Athens on Thursday. Greece shocked the Three Lions with a 2-1 victory at Wembley last month, putting them three points ahead of England and on the verge of promotion to League A. Although new head coach Thomas Tuchel has been appointed, interim manager Lee Carsley will continue to lead the team for this fixture.

Greece, unbeaten in their first League B campaign, have won all four of their matches under head coach Ivan Jovanovic, allowing just one goal. A win or a draw would secure top spot for Greece, while England must win by at least two goals to keep their promotion hopes alive. With both teams fighting for League A, it promises to be a high-stakes encounter.

Prediction: Greece 0-3 England

Denmark vs Spain (1:15 AM IST)

Spain will travel to Denmark on Friday night, looking to secure the top spot in Group 4 of League A in the UEFA Nations League. La Roja, having already clinched a quarter-final place, need just a win to cement first position. They have an outstanding recent record against the Danes, winning seven and drawing one of their last eight games against the Scandinavian side. Denmark, currently second, are only three points behind and will be determined to maintain or improve their standing with two games remaining.

Kasper Hjulmad, Denmark’s previous head coach resigned from his duties in July and was recently replaced by former Brentford assistant, Brian Riemer. This will be Riemer’s debut match as Denmark’s head coach after his recent appointment. Denmark, though historically struggling against Spain, will aim for an upset to edge closer to qualification. The hosts have shown resilience this season but must deliver a strong performance to stay in the top two spots and avoid relying on their final match.

Prediction: Denmark 0-2 Spain

Other Fixtures of Matchday five

Where to Watch the UEFA Nations League?

For fans in India, the UEFA Nations League matches will be available live on the Sony Sports Network. Catch all the action on Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 1 HD, Sony Sports Ten 2, Sony Sports Ten 2 HD, and other Sony channels. For fans who don’t use cable TV anymore and want to stream the game online, they fans can tune into the Sony Liv app or website to watch these exciting fixtures.

 The final International break of the year is set for the fifth matchday of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League campaign, set to begin later this week. Dive in to find who’s playing whom on MD 5!  Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today