Football

Germany's Nations League campaign ended with a 1-1 draw in Hungary, while the Netherlands were held to the same scoreline by Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Germans had already secured top spot in Group A3, while the Dutch were assured of second place. Hungary, despite the draw, remained four points ahead of Bosnia, who were already relegated.In Budapest, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann made several changes to his team, which had clinched top spot with a 7-0 win over Bosnia last week. Felix Nmecha broke the deadlock in the 76th minute, but Hungary's Dominik Szoboszlai equalized from the penalty spot in the 99th minute."With a win, we would've gone into the break with a nicer feeling, but we can still be very satisfied about what we achieved in 2024 and can kick things off again in March," said German midfielder Robert Andrich.In Group B4, Wales secured automatic promotion to the top division with a 4-1 victory over Iceland. Turkey's 3-1 defeat in Montenegro meant that Wales finished one point ahead of the Turks.Czech Republic claimed top spot in Group B1 with a 2-1 win over Georgia. Ukraine leapfrogged Georgia into second place by defeating Albania.In League C, Sweden topped their group with a 6-0 thrashing of Azerbaijan. Viktor Gyokeres scored four goals for Sweden, while Dejan Kulusevski added a brace.

Spain concluded their triumphant 2023 campaign with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Switzerland in a Nations League dead rubber on Monday. Despite already securing top spot in Group A4, the reigning European champions displayed their resilience and determination in Tenerife.Coach Luis de la Fuente fielded an entirely new starting lineup, giving Athletic Bilbao's Aitor Paredes his international debut. Yeremi Pino, a Canary Islander, broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, capitalizing on Pedri's saved penalty.Switzerland equalized through Joel Monteiro, but Bryan Gil quickly restored Spain's lead. Andi Zeqiri leveled the score once more from the spot, but Bryan Zaragoza emerged as the hero in the dying minutes. The Bayern Munich winger earned and converted a penalty, securing a hard-fought victory for Spain.Zaragoza's late heroics capped off a remarkable year for Spain, who won the Euro 2024 title and finished the Nations League group stage unbeaten. The match also marked a special occasion for the Canary Islands, as it was the first Spain match on the island in 28 years.

San Marino, the tiny microstate nestled within Italy, has etched its name in football history by securing a remarkable promotion to the third tier of the UEFA Nations League. After trailing at halftime, the team rallied with an inspiring second-half performance to defeat Liechtenstein 3-1, marking their second-ever competitive victory.The match at the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz was a tale of two halves. Liechtenstein took an early lead, leaving San Marino facing an uphill battle. However, the team refused to be disheartened. Led by coach Roberto Cevoli, they regrouped and emerged from the break with renewed determination.Lorenzo Lazzari ignited the comeback with a well-taken goal, followed by a stunning strike from Alessandro Golinucci. The match-winner came from the penalty spot, as Nicola Nanni coolly converted to seal the historic victory.San Marino's players erupted in jubilation as they secured promotion to League C. Their triumph is a testament to their resilience and the progress they have made under Cevoli's guidance. Despite being ranked 210th in the FIFA men's rankings, the team has shown that anything is possible with hard work and belief."Finishing that first half 1-0 down was an insult to football, but the boys were brilliant and deserved what they've managed to achieve," said Cevoli.San Marino's promotion is a significant milestone for the nation. It marks the first time they have advanced to a higher tier in the Nations League and provides a platform for further growth and development.The team's success has also captured the hearts of fans around the world. Marco Tura, the president of the San Marino Football Federation, expressed his pride and emotion: "As people, as athletes, as men they have shown what they are worth... I cried with the boys."San Marino's historic Nations League campaign is a reminder that even the smallest of nations can achieve great things with determination and a never-say-die attitude.

England's emphatic 5-0 victory over 10-man Republic of Ireland secured their promotion to the Nations League top flight, with four players marking their international debuts with goals. Interim manager Lee Carsley's final game in charge saw England dominate from the start, but it was a second-half penalty from Harry Kane that broke the deadlock.Tino Livramento's deflected cross found Anthony Gordon, who volleyed home his first international goal. Conor Gallagher and Jarrod Bowen also netted their maiden England goals, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis headed in Jude Bellingham's cross to complete the rout.France also secured top spot in Group A2 with a 3-1 victory over Italy at the San Siro. Adrien Rabiot scored twice, including a brilliant header from a Lucas Digne set-piece. Italy's Andrea Cambiaso pulled one back, but Rabiot's second goal sealed the win for Les Bleus.Erling Haaland continued his impressive form for Norway, scoring a hat-trick in their 5-0 win over Kazakhstan. The Manchester City star broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute and added two more goals before Antonio Nusa completed the scoring. Norway's victory saw them finish top of Group B3 ahead of Austria, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Slovenia.

In a thrilling Nations League encounter, the Netherlands secured their place in the quarter-finals with a dominant 4-0 victory over Hungary. The match was marred by a medical emergency involving Hungary's assistant coach, Adam Szalai, who received treatment on the sidelines before being stretchered off.The Oranje took the lead in the 17th minute when Wout Weghorst converted a penalty after a handball by Tamas Nikitscher. Cody Gakpo doubled their advantage in the 11th minute of added time, dispatching another spot-kick after Zsolt Nagy fouled Donyell Malen.After the break, Denzel Dumfries sealed the Netherlands' victory with a well-taken volley in the 65th minute. Teun Koopmeiners added a fourth in the 86th minute, nodding in a cross from Malen.Meanwhile, Germany continued their impressive form with a resounding 7-0 win over Bosnia and Hercegovina. Jamal Musiala opened the scoring after just two minutes, followed by goals from Tim Kleindienst and Kai Havertz. Florian Wirtz netted a brace, including a stunning free-kick, while Leroy Sane and Kleindienst completed the rout.The emphatic result leaves Germany five points clear at the top of Group A3, while the Netherlands are second with one match remaining. In Group B1, Georgia and Ukraine played out a 1-1 draw, while the Czech Republic drew 0-0 in Albania. Turkey remain top of Group B4 after a 0-0 draw with Wales, while Iceland beat Montenegro 2-0.

Cristiano Ronaldo's brace propelled Portugal to a resounding 5-1 victory over Poland in the UEFA Nations League on Friday, securing their place in the quarter-finals.Portugal dominated the second half, scoring four goals in the final 20 minutes. Rafael Leao opened the scoring with a powerful header, followed by a penalty from Ronaldo. Bruno Fernandes and Pedro Neto added to the tally, while Ronaldo completed his brace with an acrobatic volley.Poland had the better chances in the first half but failed to capitalize. Dominik Marczuk's brilliant save denied Ronaldo from close range, and the hosts made them pay dearly.Roberto Martinez's Portugal wrapped up the top spot in Group A1 with a game to spare, joining France, Germany, and Italy in the last eight. Poland, meanwhile, were relegated and will face a relegation playoff if they lose to Scotland next week.In the other Group A1 match, Scotland boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation with a late winner from John McGinn. Croatia, who needed a point to qualify with Portugal, were left disappointed as McGinn struck in the 86th minute.Meanwhile, European champions Spain remained unbeaten in Group A4 with a 2-1 win over Denmark in Copenhagen. Ayoze Perez and Mikel Oyarzabal scored for Spain, while Gustav Isaksen pulled one back for Denmark.In Group C2, Romania's match against Kosovo was abandoned in injury time due to chants of "Serbia" from the home fans. The game was goalless at the time of abandonment.In League D, San Marino kept their hopes of promotion alive with a 1-1 draw against Gibraltar thanks to Nicola Nanni's injury-time penalty.

Italy secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgium in Brussels. The visitors dominated the early stages and took the lead after 11 minutes when Sandro Tonali tapped in a deflected cross from Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Belgium pressed for an equalizer but could only manage a second-half header from Wout Faes that hit the post.Meanwhile, France's qualification was confirmed despite a lackluster 0-0 draw with Israel in Paris. The hosts struggled to create chances against a resolute Israeli defense, managing only 25 attempts on goal. Israel's goalkeeper, Daniel Peretz, made two diving saves in the second half to deny Warren Zaire-Emery and Christopher Nkunku.In Athens, England's interim coach Lee Carsley enjoyed an emphatic 3-0 victory over Greece. Ollie Watkins replaced Harry Kane and justified his selection with a goal after seven minutes. Jude Bellingham forced the second goal after 78 minutes, with Curtis Jones adding a third five minutes later. England and Greece are level on points but England's superior goal difference puts them top of the group.Austria and Norway also secured wins in Group B3. Austria defeated Kazakhstan 2-0, while Norway beat Slovenia 4-1. Erling Haaland scored once for Norway, who are now level on points with Austria but trail on goal difference.

Harry Kane, England's captain, has expressed his disappointment over the high number of withdrawals from the national team squad this week, emphasizing that the team's interests should take precedence. England faces a crucial Nations League match against Greece on Thursday, followed by a home game against Ireland on Sunday. However, interim manager Lee Carsley's final camp before the arrival of Thomas Tuchel as the new manager has been marred by eight withdrawals.Kane, who will lead the team in Athens, expressed his frustration, stating that key players' absence in a must-win match is a setback. He highlighted the importance of prioritizing England over club commitments, emphasizing the joy and excitement that players should feel when representing their country.The Bayern Munich forward criticized the withdrawals, suggesting that the busy schedule may have been exploited. He believes that England's interests should come first, regardless of club situations.Carsley, who will return to his role as England Under-21s coach after the Nations League games, acknowledged the withdrawals but emphasized his focus on the players available. He stated that the situation provides opportunities for others to prove themselves.Despite Kane's comments, Carsley downplayed the significance of the withdrawals, stating that it is not uncommon during this time of year. He expressed his confidence in the players who have joined the squad and their readiness for the upcoming matches.

France, Italy, and Portugal are poised to secure their spots in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, while England's hopes of promotion have been dampened by a string of withdrawals.Italy and Portugal need only a point to advance, while France is well-positioned ahead of their match against Israel on Thursday. However, the fixture has been overshadowed by security concerns following clashes in Amsterdam during a match between Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch team Ajax.Israel has urged fans to avoid the Nations League tie due to fears of anti-Jewish and anti-Muslim abuse amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. France defender Dayot Upamecano expressed understanding for the fans' decision but emphasized his focus on the game.Kylian Mbappe is once again absent from the France squad, with coach Didier Deschamps stating that the decision is "for the best." Mbappe has been under investigation for an alleged rape, which he has denied.After the Israel match, France will face Group A leaders Italy in Milan on Sunday. Italy needs only to avoid defeat against Belgium to secure a quarter-final berth.Portugal will host Poland and then travel to Croatia in Group A1, where Scotland is struggling at the bottom of the table. The Netherlands and Hungary will meet in a crucial A3 showdown, while Germany can wrap up top spot by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina.Denmark and Serbia will battle it out for the other qualifying spot in Group A4 alongside Spain. The Danes host Spain and Serbia go to Switzerland before a potentially decisive clash in Leskovac on November 18.England must beat Greece in Athens to stay in contention for promotion back to the top tier. Greece has a perfect record in League B and won 2-1 at Wembley last month. Interim England boss Lee Carsley will be without several key players for the match.Georgia can become the first team to climb from League D to League A since the Nations League began in 2018 if they beat Ukraine and Czech Republic in Group B1. San Marino, who earned their first-ever competitive win in September, could make the leap to League C by defeating Gibraltar on Friday.Teams finishing third in League A and second in League B will face off in relegation/promotion play-offs, with identical play-offs between Leagues B and C. The Nations League also has an impact on World Cup qualifying, with the 12 group winners in European qualifying going to the World Cup and another four places going to winners of play-offs.