UEFA Nations League – Football Flame

Croatia beat France 2-0 in Nations League quarter-final first leg

21Mar

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Croatia beat France 2-0 in Nations League quarter-final first leg

SPLIT, CROATIA - MARCH 20: Ante Budimir of Croatia celebrates a goal during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Croatia and France at Stadion Poljud on March 20, 2025 in Split, Croatia. Croatia's Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic struck to secure a deserved 2-0 win over France in their Nations League quarter-final, first leg on Thursday, as the return of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele failed to get the visitors to fire. Croatia also missed an early penalty when Andrej Kramaric’s spot-kick was saved by France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, and the 2023 runners-up were full value for a win that might easily have been achieved by a greater margin. France created chances and tested Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic several times, but it was a below-par performance on a n...

Ireland to face Bulgaria in Uefa Nations League relegation play-off

22Nov

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Ireland to face Bulgaria in Uefa Nations League relegation play-off

The Ireland players applaud the fans at the end of the match during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium on November 17, 2024 in London, England. Ireland have been drawn against Bulgaria in their promotion/relegation play-off in the Nations League. The Nations League has now expanded so that teams finishing third in their group must play-off across two legs against a runner-up from the league below to secure their status. Having finished third in their League B group, Ireland must now beat Bulgaria over two legs next year to secure their status. The sides last met in the 2020 Nations League campaign: the teams drew 1-1 in Sofia before drawing 0-0 in Dublin. Bulgaria finished second behind Northern Ireland ...

19Nov

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US blitz Jamaica in Nations League

Demarai Gray #10 of Jamaica is marked by Alex Zendejas #7 of United States during the Quarterfinals - Leg Two - 2024 Concacaf Nations League match between Jamaica and United States at Citypark on November 18, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri. Striker Demarai Gray bagged a brace as Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz bowed out of the CONCACAF Nations League last night, after being torn apart by the United States inside St. Louis’ CityPark. US manager Mauricio Pochettino made it back to wins with a 4-2 thrashing second leg quarter-final to inflict just the second defeat on Jamaica coach Steve McClaren. Christian Pulisic broke the deadlock, Di’Shon Bernard scored an own goal and Ricardo Pepi snatched a goal before the turnaround to effectively end the contest. With the tie over by half-time, the US 3-0 ahead...

Spain Clinch Dramatic 93rd Minute Win Over Switzerland In UEFA Nations League

19Nov

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Spain Clinch Dramatic 93rd Minute Win Over Switzerland In UEFA Nations League

Bryan Zaragoza won and converted a late penalty to help Euro 2024 winners Spain beat Switzerland 3-2 in a Nations League dead rubber on Monday. SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 18: Vincent Sierro of Switzerland clashes with Bryan Zaragoza of Spain in the penalty box leading to a penalty being awarded during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A4 match between Spain and Switzerland at El Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium on November 18, 2024 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) The Nations League holders, already guaranteed top spot in Group A4, twice took the lead but were pegged back by the already-relegated Swiss in Tenerife. It was the first Spain match on the island in 28 years and fans were able to celebrate a win after ...

England Secure Nations League Promotion, France Beat Italy

18Nov

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England Secure Nations League Promotion, France Beat Italy

Harry Kane of England celebrates scoring his sides first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium on November 17, 2024 in London, England. England blew away 10-man Republic of Ireland 5-0 to wrap up promotion to the Nations League top flight as four players netted their first international goals on Sunday, while Adrien Rabiot scored twice as France beat Italy. Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick to help Norway also top their group in League B. Euro 2024 runners-up England secured top spot in Group B2 in interim boss Lee Carsley's final game in charge before the arrival of Thomas Tuchel as manager. "I wanted the England team to be exciting to watch and be attacking," Carsley told ITV...

Jamaica make hard work of Nations League

12Oct

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Jamaica make hard work of Nations League

Romario Williams’ 69th-minute tap-in sealed a 2-0 success for Jamaica in Nicaragua last night, for the Reggae Boyz to return to top spot in CONCACAF Nations League A Group B. Despite being outplayed overall inside the Estadio Nacional de Futbol in Managua, the Boyz picked up precious points thanks to a first-half own goal and Williams’ close-range strike. Honduras, Jamaica’s next opponents, had temporarily taken over as table-toppers following their 3-2 triumph in French Guiana. That result would have surely helped inspire the Boyz to try and record a win. Jamaica coach Steve McClaren swapped things around in a bid to halt Nicaragua’s 14-game unbeaten, leaving in-form veteran striker Michail Antonio to warm the bench with his 4-2-3-1 formation that was spearheaded by Indy Eleven forward Wi...

Undav double as Germany stay unbeaten in Nations League

12Oct

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Undav double as Germany stay unbeaten in Nations League

Germany's rebuilding is on the right track. Deniz Undav scored a brace and the four-time World Cup winners extended their unbeaten record in the Nations League to three matches with a convincing 2-1 win at Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday. Following the retirements of Manuel Neuer and Toni Kroos, coach Julian Nagelsmann's team started a new cycle and their clean and fluid display against a spirited Bosnia side bodes well for the future. The Germans top their group after also thrashing Hungary 5-0 and drawing in the Netherlands 2-2. In the absence of several stalwarts, the Germans played with confidence, developed complex attacking moves and gave the impression of enjoying themselves. They had plenty of chances to score more and had a couple of goals disallowed for offside. Germany's only downs...

Nations League wrap: Belgium battle back in Italy

11Oct

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Nations League wrap: Belgium battle back in Italy

Italy were held to a 2-2 draw by Belgium after Lorenzo Pellegrini was sent off and they squandered a 2-0 lead but remained top of Nations League A Group 2. Italy scored in the first minute when winger Federico Di Marco fired a low cross into the box and Belgium keeper Koen Casteels saved the first shot from Andrea Cambiaso who bundled in the rebound. The hosts doubled the lead in the 24th minute when Di Marco volleyed the ball across the field to Cambiaso who was denied a second by Casteels before striker Mateo Retegui knocked in the loose ball. Coach Luciano Spalletti's team were cruising until midfielder Pellegrini was sent off for hitting Belgium defender Arthur Theate at the end of the first half, following a VAR review. The red card galvanised the Belgians and they immediately hit bac...

Portugal lineup vs. Poland: Predicted XI for UEFA Nations League contest

10Oct

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Portugal lineup vs. Poland: Predicted XI for UEFA Nations League contest

After claiming maximum points in September, League A Group 1 pace-setters Portugal will be aiming to maintain their 100% record in this season's UEFA Nations League when meeting Poland on Saturday. OEIRAS, PORTUGAL - OCTOBER 9: Head Coach Roberto Martinez of Portugal in action during the Portugal Training Session at Cidade do Futebol FPF on October 9, 2024 in Oeiras, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) It remains to be seen whether head coach Roberto Martinez restores his star player to the Selecao's starting lineup, as Cristiano Ronaldo was benched against Scotland last time out, before coming off the bench to spectacular effect. His impact - most notably scoring a late winner at Hampden - bolstered the 39-year-old's claims for selection ahead of Liverpool forward ...

Injured Harry Kane Won’t Start England’s Nations League Clash With Greece

10Oct

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Injured Harry Kane Won’t Start England’s Nations League Clash With Greece

England interim boss Lee Carsley has revealed Harry Kane will not be in the starting line-up for Thursday's Nations League clash with Greece as his captain recovers from injury. BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Harry Kane of England talks to Ashley Cole, Interim Assistant Head Coach, and Lee Carsley, Interim Head Coach of England, during a training session at St Georges Park on October 09, 2024 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) Kane suffered the knock in a collision while playing for Bayern Munich in their 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend. The 31-year-old striker -- England's record goal-scorer -- has been unable to train with the rest of the squad since linking up on Monday. Kane was limited to...

UEFA NATIONS LGE: Captain Kane celebrates 100th England cap with both goals against Finland

11Sep

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

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UEFA NATIONS LGE: Captain Kane celebrates 100th England cap with both goals against Finland

Harry Kane struck his 67th and 68th international goals to celebrate having become the 10th man to make 100 national team appearances for England as they defeated Finland 2-0 in their UEFA Nations League tie at Wembley. England started on the front foot but their 31-year-old captain was frustrated in a scoreless first half in pursuit of the goal to add to the golden cap presented to him before kickoff. The last centurion, almost 10 years ago, was Wayne Rooney who had also marked the occasion with a goal. Kane finally broke through decisively twice after the interval. His goals were his 26th and 27th in 35 England appearances at Wembley adding up go 11 in his last eight matches at the national stadium. Victory was no more than England deserved after dominating in front of a 70,221 crowd; ...

Bastoni: ‘Italy feel strong’ after Nations League success

10Sep

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Bastoni: ‘Italy feel strong’ after Nations League success

Alessandro Bastoni is happy to take on the mantle of the Italy defence and confirms they ‘feel strong’ after back-to-back Nations League victories. The Azzurri are flying in the Nations League, topping Group A2 with six points after their 3-1 win in France and 2-1 victory over Israel. Les Bleus beat Belgium 2-0 this evening, so they go into joint second place on three points apiece. “It was very important to follow up the win over France, which boosted our confidence so much and made us feel strong,” Bastoni told RAI Sport. “We want to continue like this and leave the embarrassment of the Euros behind us.” The Azzurri were determined to prove what they can do after a disastrous European Championship result, crashing out in the Round of 16 against Switzerland with a soulless performanc...

Arsenal star Martin Odegaard suffers injury before Tottenham clash

10Sep

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Arsenal star Martin Odegaard suffers injury before Tottenham clash

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been one of the best players in the Premier League since joining the Gunners from Real Madrid, spreading his wings as one of world football’s best modern playmakers under coach Mikel Arteta. With Odegaard pulling the strings, Arsenal are perennial Premier League title contenders and one step closer towards returning to a Champions League Final, with the 25-year-old coming off a 10-assist season after notching 15 goals in 2022/23. Unfortunately for Arsenal, it looks like they may have to face arch rivals Tottenham in the North London derby this coming Sunday without the services of their superstar midfielder. Odegaard went down with a left ankle injury during the September international “break”, getting caught with Austria star playmaker Christoph Baum...

France and Italy cruise to win in Nations League as Norway’s Haaland scores decisive goal

10Sep

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

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France and Italy cruise to win in Nations League as Norway’s Haaland scores decisive goal

Les Bleus breathed a sigh of relief with their 2-0 win against Belgium after a loss last week. Meanwhile Italy are on a winning streak with a victory over Israel. Italy kept up their perfect start to the UEFA Nations League on Monday, while France got the better of Belgium and Erling Haaland struck a late winner for Norway against Austria. The Italians built on an impressive win away in France at the weekend as they beat Israel 2-1 in a game played on neutral territory in Budapest due to the security situation in the Middle East. Goals in each half from Davide Frattesi and Moise Kean were enough for Italy to win in a subdued atmosphere at the Bozsik Arena, home of Honved. Luciano Spalletti's team have reacted well to their disastrous European Championship title defence, which ended at...

UEFA nations Lge: Ruiz double helps 10-man Spain sink Swiss in the rain

9Sep

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UEFA nations Lge: Ruiz double helps 10-man Spain sink Swiss in the rain

Spain’s Fabian Ruiz scored twice as his 10-man side defeated Switzerland 4-1 in the pouring rain in Geneva to earn their first victory in Nations League A Group Four and inflict a second successive defeat on the hosts. Euro 2024 winners Spain had been held to a dour 0-0 draw by Serbia in their pool opener but found their groove in a quick start at the Stade de Geneve as Joselu and Ruiz had them 2-0 up inside 13 minutes. A red card for Spain defender Robin Le Normand after 20 minutes was a setback and brought Switzerland into the game as Zeki Amdouni pulled a goal back before halftime. But as the Swiss pressed for an equaliser late on, Ruiz netted his second and Ferran Torres also got on the scoresheet as Spain hit the hosts with lightning counter-attacks. “If there’s one thing I like t...

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich praises the team after resounding 5-0 Nations League victory

8Sep

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Germany captain Joshua Kimmich praises the team after resounding 5-0 Nations League victory

Germany kicked off the Nations League campaign with a 5-0 thumping of Hungary. Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala was magnificent, delivering a goal and three assists. Bayern teammate Aleksandar Pavlović linked up with Musiala to score Pavlović’s first international goal in the 77th minute. Today’s match also represented Joshua Kimmich’s first international match since being named captain for Die Mannschaft. In his postgame interview (via @iMiaSanMia), Kimmich said, “It was important that we won today. The first half was good, we could’ve scored more goals. The first 5-10 minutes of the second half were not easy. Rob [Andrich] made a great tackle to deny the equaliser. Then we scored the second through a counter from a corner and then the game became more open. Overall we controlled the...

Calafiori sustains injury in bizarre incident during France 1-3 Italy

7Sep

By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Calafiori sustains injury in bizarre incident during France 1-3 Italy

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti is confident Riccardo Calafiori did not sustain a significant injury after the Arsenal man was hurt in a bizarre incident by France’s Ousmane Dembele. The Nations League match at Parc des Princes saw the Azzurri concede a Bradley Barcola goal after 14 seconds, but then fight back to win 3-1 with goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori. It was not entirely without incident, because Calafiori was forced to limp off in the second half after he was clattered from behind by a flying Dembele. Alessandro Bastoni went into the tackle on Dembele after the Frenchman had already run past several Azzurri, sending the forward flying into the air with no control over his landing. Unfortunately for the Italy star, he happened to be in t...

What to look out for in the UEFA Nations League

4Sep

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What to look out for in the UEFA Nations League

International football returns across Europe this week, less than eight weeks after Spain edged out England in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin. Football Flame picks out five storylines to follow around the continent ahead of two rounds of fixtures over six days starting Thursday: Will Spain pick up where they left off?Spain are on a high after their magnificent triumph at the Euros and their gold medal success at the Olympics. Luis de la Fuente's side are quickly back in action and have another title to defend, having won the last edition of the Nations League. La Roja are in Group 4 of League A and begin with an awkward double-header, a trip to Serbia being followed by a meeting with Switzerland in Geneva. Denmark complete the group. Their squad does not feature the injured ...