A second international break of the season is upon us and this time there is a prize up for grabs in the form of the Uefa Nations League trophy.
This is the second edition of Uefa’s most recently created competition after Portugal were crowned inaugural winners following a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in Porto in June 2019, after the Dutch had beaten England on penalties to reach the final.
The trophy will be contested by Euro 2020 champions Italy and Fifa’s No 1-ranked team Belgium as well as Spain and France, with all four matches taking place in either Milan or Turin.
Each nation secured their place at this stage of the competition last autumn after finishing top of their respective groups in League A. Spain’s incredible 6-0 thrashing of Germany was the most noteworthy result of the qualification stage, while Belgium topped their group containing Gareth Southgate’s England.
The winners will be presented with a trophy made from sterling silver and their presence in the final four has in theory aided their hopes of qualifying for the next World Cup as each team was drawn in a group of five rather than six to avoid fixture congestion.
Here’s all you need to know ahead of this week’s Nations League matches.
How to watch the 2021 Nations League
Semi-final 1: Italy vs Spain
- Date: Wednesday 6 October
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Venue: San Siro
- TV: Sky Sports Football
- Stream: Now TV
Semi-final 2: Belgium vs France
- Date: Thursday 7 October
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Venue: Juventus Stadium
- TV: Sky Sports Football
- Stream: Now TV
Third place play-off:
- Date: Sunday 10 October
- Kick-off: 2pm
- Venue: Juventus Stadium
- TV: Sky Sports Football
- Stream: Now TV
Final:
- Date: Sunday 10 October
- Kick-off: 7.45pm
- Venue: San Siro
- TV: Sky Sports Football
- Stream: Now TV
Italy are the bookies’ favourites to win it following their impressive form at the Euros in the summer and their boss Roberto Mancini has admitted it would be “amazing” to add another trophy to the country’s already well-stocked cabinet.
“It would be amazing to win after the European Championship – and it would be amazing to qualify for the World Cup early – but it won’t be that easy,” he said. “Every game is full of difficulties.”
Belgium’s creaking golden generation will be eyeing a penultimate chance to win a trophy ahead of next year’s World Cup, while a fresh-faced Spain squad can gain additional experience at the top level. France, meanwhile, have a point to prove after falling well short of expectations at the Euros.
If the semi-finals or final are level after 90 minutes, an additional 30 minute period of extra-time will be played followed by penalties if the game is still tied. The losers of each semi-final will then play in a third-placed match on the same day as the final itself.
Teams are able to make five substitutes – in three separate windows – during 90 minutes with a sixth available if the game goes to extra time.
Who will win the 2021 Uefa Nations League?
- Italy – 2-1
- France – 9-4
- Belgium – 3-1
- Spain – 10-3
*Odds via Skybet
Can Jorginho boost his Ballon d’Or hopes?
By Michael Hincks
The Champions League and Euro 2020 winner is a candidate the Ballon d’Or for those very two reasons. Boasting the best European trophies on offer at both club and international level, Jorginho was a major benefactor from Thomas Tuchel’s arrival at Chelsea.
The midfielder played every minute of the Champions League knockout games but for the match he was suspended (last-16 second leg vs Atletico Madrid) and he then played all-but 15 minutes of Italy’s Euro 2020-winning campaign.
Players around him took the headlines during both triumphs, but his efforts were recognised with the Uefa Men’s Player of the Year award after he also lifted the Super Cup with Chelsea.
It could get even better for Jorginho in 2021, with another international trophy on offer in October.
The Nations League finals take place this month, and Italy will look to overcome Spain in the semi-finals – like they did at the same stage at Euro 2020 after winning the shootout – on Wednesday before facing potentially Belgium or France in Sunday’s final.
Jorginho is in the Italy squad who are out to make it a European double this year, and adding another medal to his collection is likely to see his odds shorten, and the calls for him to win the Ballon d’Or grow.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3mu5EKY
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