Germany, Netherlands meet once again in fierce derby
The next instalment of the rivalry between Germany and Netherlands takes place in Munich in the UEFA Nations League on Monday night.After sharing the spoils in Amsterdam last month, the two meet once again in one of the fiercest international football derbies that stretches back 50 years.
With both nations still unbeaten at the halfway stage, the two look set to progress to the quarter-finals at the expense of Hungary and Bosnia-Herzegovina, who remain winless in Group A3.
Germany’s only dropped points so far came in the reverse fixture last month, as they have recorded wins over the other two sides in the section and sit top.
Julian Nagelsmann‘s men did need to avoid a late scare to get over the line with a 2-1 win in Zenica against Bosnia on Friday night though.
The Nations League has certainly not brought the best out of Germany, as they have never reached the finals, but they have only ever suffered one defeat on home soil in the competition.
That does not mean a win is certain here though, because despite being the much more accomplished nation, Germany have only won two of the previous eight meetings against the Netherlands.
Van Dijk’s suspension means Matthijs de Ligt is likely to start at the back for the Netherlands, despite his recent troubles since joining Manchester United.
The Dutch looked insipid against Hungary though, and were fortunate to come away with a point, so the Germans are understandably favourites here, sitting top of the section and benefiting from home advantage.
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Belgium, Francemeet for the second time in a space of one month
Neighbours Belgium and France meet for the second time in the space of a month on matchday four in the UEFA Nations League on Monday night.
France have recovered from an opening day defeat by winning their last two, while Belgium have slipped from first to third since their win over Israel on matchday one.
A real Jekyll-and-Hyde performance from Belgium saw them take a point from the Stadio Olimpico against Italy on Thursday night, and they will have been massively disappointed not to come away with a win.
Everyone has beaten Israel so far, and Belgium still have the two heavyweights to play at home, so they will feel as though they have the ascendancy, despite currently sitting outside of the top two.
These two neighbours are becoming very accustomed to meeting each other, as they faced off in France last month, and in Germany over the summer.
France won 2-0 in the reverse just over four weeks ago, and Les Bleus were successful too at the Euros, in a very forgettable 1-0 last-16 success.
Didier Deschamps has always had one over Belgium when it comes to competitive meetings, as his France side also beat Belgium 3-2 in the Nations League semi-finals in 2021 despite going 2-0 down, and they also got the better of the Red Devils in the 2018 World Cup semis.
If that was not enough to make the French feel confident heading into this short away trip, the fact they won 4-1 away to Israel in a completely dominant performance on Thursday should.
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Italy aim to extend their reign at the top against Israel
After a moment of madness saw them settle for a point last time out, Italy aim to extend their reign at the top of League A Group 2 on Monday evening, when they host UEFA Nations League foes Israel to Udine.
The Azzurri were apparently coasting to victory before going down to 10 men against Belgium in Rome, while their rock-bottom visitors were well beaten by France.
Having conceded the first goal of their new Nations League campaign inside 13 seconds against France last month, this time Italy burst out of the blocks, scoring within a minute of the first whistle in Thursday night’s 2-2 draw with Belgium.
Turning the page after a dismal defence of their European Championship title, the Azzurri made a superb start in September, beating France in Paris before taking care of business against Israel.
Now, ahead of November’s finale – when La Nazionale will hope to secure a top-two finish and qualify for the new quarter-final stage – they seek a repeat of their recent 2-1 win over Monday’s opponents.
While their winning run ended on Thursday, it looks like Italy have re-found their rhythm since the Euros, so they should be too good for limited opponents in Udine.
Israel has scored in each game so far, though, and they could find the net despite suffering a fourth straight defeat in Group 2.
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Iceland faceoff with Turkey in League B
Following a spirited second-half fightback last time out, Iceland can draw level with League B Group 4 leaders Turkey when they meet in the UEFA Nations League on Monday.
While the hosts salvaged a point from their game against Wales, the Crescent-Stars moved clear at the top with a late winner at home to Montenegro.
Staring defeat in the face after going two goals down before the half-hour mark on Friday, Iceland were seemingly set to drop three points behind in the race for a top-two finish.
However, the hosts came roaring back after the break in Reykjavik, with substitute Logi Tomasson first curling an equaliser into the bottom corner, then seeing his low cutback strike Wales goalkeeper Danny Ward and go in, levelling the scoreline at Laugardalsvollur.
Though Age Hareide‘s men were much the better side throughout the second half, they ultimately had to settle for a draw, following on from one win and one loss in September.
Ranked 71st in the world by FIFA, Iceland are still in contention to finish first and secure automatic promotion back to League A, but their current third-place position would result in a relegation playoff.
After an excellent second-half showing on Friday night, Iceland can take the fight to Turkey and come out of a close-fought contest with at least one point.
The visitors’ squad is packed with attacking talent, but they do not tend to fare well away from home and may have to settle for a draw at Laugardalsvollur.
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Fixtures
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Bosnia-Herzegovina 19:45 Hungary
Group 4
