New Delhi: Matchday 4 of the Nations League unfolded with thrilling action across multiple groups. England bounced back from their defeat by Greece at Wembley with a crucial win in Helsinki, staying within three points of the section leaders. Austria continued their dominant run as they secured a second successive victory by a four-goal margin, further solidifying their position.
Meanwhile, Greece extended their perfect record at the top of Group B2 with a convincing win over the Republic of Ireland. North Macedonia also made headlines with another strong performance, extending their lead in Group C4. As matchday 4 progresses check out the key fixtures that promise to deliver more drama and decisive moments.
Matchday 4 fixtures
14 October, Monday
Azerbaijan vs Slovakia – 9:30 pm
Georgia vs Albania – 9:30 pm
Italy vs Israel- 12:15 am
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Hungary- 12:15 am
Iceland vs Turkey- 12:15 am
Estonia vs Sweden- 12:15 am
Belgium vs France- 12:15 am
Ukraine vs Czechia- 12:15 am
Wales vs Montenegro- 12:15 am
Germany vs Netherlands- 12:15 am
15 October 2024, Tuesday
Poland vs Croatia- 12:15 am
Spain vs Serbia- 12:15 am
Kosovo vs Cyprus- 12:15 am
Switzerland vs Denmark- 12:15 am
Scotland vs Portugal- 12:15 am
Belarus vs Luxembourg- 12:15 am
Northern Ireland vs Bulgaria- 12:15 am
Lithuania vs Romania- 12:15 am
Key fixtures
Italy looks to solidify the top spot in the table
Forza Azzurri! 💙#ITAIS #NationsLeague #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/1bDD5iY121
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) October 14, 2024
Italy heads into their upcoming UEFA Nations League clash against Israel with confidence as they aim to extend their reign at the top of League A Group 2 standings. Despite a setback in their 2-2 draw with Belgium, where a red card for Lorenzo Pellegrini shifted the game’s momentum Italy remains unbeaten and are determined to secure a third win in four matches.
Luciano Spalletti’s side showcased impressive attacking play and will look to replicate that form in Udine. With a place in the quarter-finals in sight, the Azzurri know they must keep their focus against an Israel team struggling in the competition.
Meanwhile, Israel have lost all three games and currently sits at the bottom of the points table. They have scored in each game so far and Ran Ben Shimon’s side will surely arrive in Italy with little more than the hope of causing an upset.
Belgium to seek revenge from France
Rendez-vous on Monday. 😍 pic.twitter.com/QTxOO475tR
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) October 11, 2024
Belgium will look to seek a reversal of fortune against France in their UEFA Nations League Group A2 clash in Brussels. After a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Italy, Belgium is determined to leapfrog France at the top of the group by addressing the issues from their 2-0 loss to Les Bleus in September. Coach Domenico Tedesco has emphasized the need for more defensive discipline and patience, which were lacking in the previous encounter.
Belgium’s attack showed promise early on in that match but faltered due to risky decisions and a lack of control. With the home crowd behind them, they will aim to maintain their intensity throughout the game and make the necessary adjustments to nullify youthful France, in-form squad. Les Blues defeated Israel by a comprehensive 4-1 scoreline and will look to achieve a similar result against the Red Devils. Belgium despite losing the last two fixtures sees the upcoming match as an opportunity to turn the tables and keep their hopes alive for topping the group.
Football derby at play in Munich
Ready, set, matchday! ⚽️ Time to face the Netherlands!
Where will you be watching? 🌍👇#DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT #NationsLeague #GERNED
📸 DFB/ Philipp Reinhard pic.twitter.com/I9DTRDCLvT
— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) October 14, 2024
Germany and the Netherlands are set for another thrilling encounter on Monday, following their 2-2 draw in Amsterdam last month. Germany comes into the match in high spirits after a 2-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Deniz Undav continuing his strong form by netting a brace. Undav’s impressive performances along with Germany’s cohesive and confident attack, make them a formidable challenge for the Dutch defense.
However, the Netherlands faces this crucial tie without their captain Virgil van Dijk who is suspended following a red card in their 1-1 draw with Hungary. Denzel Dumfries, who scored the equalizer in that match is expected to wear the captain’s armband and play a key role in leading the defense. Known for his resilience and big-game performances Dumfries will be crucial in containing Germany’s potent attack. As both teams look to seek the top spot in the group, the upcoming encounter promises to be another hard-fought battle between two European giants.
Ronaldo aims to extend his scoring streak
Vitória importante na Liga das Nações. Obrigado pelo apoio de todos, vamos com tudo! pic.twitter.com/ycbL9iSJXK
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) October 12, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo remains the key figure for Portugal as they prepare for their UEFA Nations League upcoming clash against Scotland at Hampden Park. The 39-year-old continues to defy expectations by consistently adding to his incredible goal tally. His performance in the recent 3-1 win over Poland, where he netted his 133rd international goal was another reminder of his lasting impact on the pitch.
Ronaldo’s clever movement and ability to create space have been vital for Portugal’s 100% record in the group. As Portugal heads to Glasgow coach Roberto Martínez is expected to keep faith in his captain at the heart of the attack, although some tactical adjustments may be made. Diogo Jota could replace Pedro Neto due to fitness concerns, joining Ronaldo and fellow attackers Rafael Leao and Bruno Fernandes.
On the other hand, Scotland will be facing a daunting task as they aim to stop Ronaldo. They are at the bottom of their group at the moment, losing the last three fixtures despite scoring four times. The hosts suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Croatia in the last game and will need to work harder to bounce back this week.
Belgium hopes to turn the tables on France, Germany takes on the Netherlands, and Cristiano Ronaldo looks to keep scoring against Croatia. Discover what’s next in the UEFA Nations League! Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
