Matchday 4 of the UEFA Nations League 2024 is in the books, with many of the top teams already qualifying for the quarter-finals round.
Germany, having defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in Munich, became the first team to secure a place in the next round in League A. Reigning champions Spain followed shortly after, with their 3-0 win over Serbia at the Nuevo El Arcangel stadium in Cordoba.
Italy and France haven’t mathematically qualified yet but have secured a big lead in Group 2 of League A, which should see them through. The only other team to make it through to the quarters is Portugal, despite a 0-0 draw with Scotland yesterday.
League B also had a number of key results this week, as England beat Finland 3-1 to keep second position in Group 2, behind Greece. The race in Group 3 tightened up with three teams now stuck on 7 points, after Austria’s big 5-1 win over Norway. Group 1 is also wide open after Georgia lost to Albania and Czech Republic drew 1-1 with Ukraine.
For more highlights and details for some of the biggest matchups this week, see below.
Spain Secure Quarter-Final Spot With 3-0 Win Over
Defending champions Spain were able to cruise past Serbia 3-0 to reach the quarter-finals on Tuesday despite being without teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Yamal returned home to Barcelona after an injury scare in the team’s victory over Denmark last week.
Spain dominated time of possession and were able to get a whopping 30 shots on goal, clearly outmatching their opponents. Even with Alvaro Morata missing a penalty in the second half, the Spaniards were still able to net three goals by the end of the match.
Spain took the lead early off the boot of Aymeric Laporte in just the 5th minute. They didn’t have any more success in the first half but Morata doubled their advantage with a neat finish in the 65th. After Strahinja Pavlovic was sent off for a foul on Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena converted from the resulting free-kick to put the match well out of reach of the Serbians.
With the victory, Spain extended its unbeaten run to 14 games. They will in all likelihood come out on top of Group 4 and look like the team to beat once again.
Leweling Scores On Debut For Germany In 1-0 win over Netherlands
German midfielder Jamie Leweling scored in his international debut, as his team ended up with 1-0 victory over visitors the Netherlands on Monday.
The 23-year-old had a goal called off due to offside in the second minute of the match but was able to convert in the 64th for the game-winner. The goal came as a result of a failed Dutch attempt to clear a corner, that Leweling pounced upon, striking into the top right corner.
The Germans had a number of other opportunities to score but were unable to get past the Dutch defense. In the end, their ability to control the ball and Leweling’s heroics were enough to get them the win.
The Germans are on top of Group 3 with 10 points from four matches. This pretty much guarantees them a place in the quarters. Netherlands on the other hand are tied on five points with Hungary who they will face on November 16 for the second spot.
France Beat Belgium 2-1 For Third Win
France edged past Belgium 2-1 to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani opened the scoring in the 35th minute via a penalty after Wout Faes handled the ball in the box.
Openda equalized right before the break, with a leaping header on a Timothy Castagne cross in the third minute of stoppage time. With that the two teams went into the break leveled at 1-1.
The second half was close but the breakthrough came in the 76th minute when Kolo Muani headed home the winner off Lucas Digne’s cross, putting France ahead 2-1. The goal ended up being the match winner, keeping France in second place of Group 2 in League A of the competition.
