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The things to look out for in the Uefa Nations League

Soccer Football - UEFA Nations League - League A - Group 4 - Spain v Croatia - Estadio Martinez Valero, Elche, Spain - September 11, 2018 Spain's Sergio Ramos celebrates scoring their fifth goal with team mates REUTERS/Heino Kalis

The final group contest in the Uefa Nations League guarantees exciting and competitive action. Here are the things to look out for as Spain, France and Portugal are set to feature, amongst others.

Croatia to avenge v Spain?

Spain saw their 27-match unbeaten run brought to a halt when England raced into a three-goal lead last month before eventually winning 3-2. That result saw Spain miss an opportunity to guarantee progress from the group, however victory in Zagreb will send them into June’s finals. Croatia will be desperate to avenge their 6-0 defeat in the reverse fixture and will take hope from a first clean sheet in eight games when they held England in October. This promises to be a very entertaining encounter seeing that both sides have some notable names in their ranks.

Tough away assignment for Bosnia

Bosnia and Herzegovina need just a point in Vienna to guarantee themselves promotion having won all of their three pool fixtures. They have conceded only three goals in their last ten outings under coach Robert Prosinecki. They will want to maintain their defensive discipline throughout the match, though we know Austria away represents a tough prospect. Franco Foda’s men have won eight of their last 11 games and could go up if they claim victory in their final two group fixtures and they will be going for nothing short of a win.

France record against the Dutch to continue

The Dutch are undergoing a resurgence of sorts in 2018 after they won 3-0 against Germany recently and in Portugal earlier in the year. During that period they have prized draws away to Italy and Belgium. All these notwithstanding, France remain their archenemy, beaten them in their last two competitive losses. Les Bleus are in need of just a point to reach the finals and they will be confident of getting the necessary draw, given that they are unbeaten in 15 matches.

Winner takes it all as Wales play Denmark

Both Wales and Denmark will be fighting for survival in a do or die match when they take on each other in Cardiff. Whoever emerges victorious here will have an express promotion ticket. Wales will need to pay special attention to Christian Eriksen, who has scored 15 times in his last 20 internationals for the visitors. Denmark have lost just once in 23 games and they could settle for a draw as they plan to beat the Republic of Ireland on Monday to win the group.

Portugal to make finals

Portugal need a point to make the finals and Italy will need to be at their best if they are to prevent Fernando Santos’s side. The Azzurri are undergoing a difficult period as they remain winless in five home matches for only the second time in their history. The visitors have won their last three outings in all competitions and they will want to impose themselves from the very onset. We can expect the Italians to put in a good shift though we doubt they can get in the way of their visitors.

 

 

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