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As we move into another international break after the festivities at the club level, the UEFA Nations League will move into its next round of matches. In the previous round of fixtures, we witnessed some amazing results. The young and resurgent Dutch side thrashed Germany by a three-goal margin. Gareth Southgate's England outplayed Luis Enrique's Spain in the first half of their match but were made to sweat before getting the win. Spain suffered their first defeat under Luis Enrique.
Not only the results, but the matches have also shed some light on the performance of players. Jasper Cillessen was amazing in the game against Germany. Although he is a bench player at Barcelona, the 29-year-old has shown the quality to start at a big club. Matthijs De Ligt displayed the qualities of a world-class centre-back, thus making him a hot prospect for the next transfer window.
Let us hope that this set of games offers us some amazing action. With that being said, here are five matches that are worth your time.
#5 England vs Croatia
Date and Venue: Wembley Stadium, 18th November 2018, 1:15 AM IST
The Three Lions are facing the World Cup finalist for the third time in 4 months. The first meeting was the more important one. The World Cup Semifinals at Russia. It was Kieran Trippier who was all smiles early into the game but turned inconsolable when he was helped out of the pitch. Eventually, Croatia went into the finals and England lost to Belgium in the 3rd place playoff.
The second meeting, that is the recent one, was played behind closed doors at Rijeka, Croatia. It was a weird and eerie game with no one at the stands. The stadium announcer was announcing the lineups loudly. Who was there to listen? Usually, you couldn't hear your own voice at the stadium due to the noise. But this time, it was a ghostly silence at the stadium. It is just chilling to imagine that. Every instruction that the manager shouts is audible, every pass of the ball of audible. England hit the post twice in the 0-0 draw.
This meeting, however, will be far more entertaining and more sort of a normal football game. It will be played at the Wembley Stadium before 60,000 supporters who can shriek at the top of their voices. It will be an entertaining affair given the previous game that England played against Spain. It will be the slow defense of Vida and Lovren against the rampant pace of Sterling and Rashford.
It is the last good chance for Luka Modric to prove that he has the quality to be a Ballon D Or winner. Although he is leading the votes, he has not justified through its performances.
It will be good to watch, end to end action, much like the World Cup game. Save the date for this one.
#4 Croatia vs Spain
Date and Venue: Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb, 16th November 2018, 1:15 AM IST
The previous meeting between Croatia and Spain was a one-sided demolition of Croatia. Spain slammed six goals past the post guarded by Kalinic. Croatia's midfield didn't have any answers to Isco and Asensio. Marco Asensio and Isco delivered their very best in the reds of Spain. Sergio Ramos, Saul, and Rodrigo also chipped in with the goals to destroy Croatia.
This game will be played in Croatia's own backyard. The crowd at Zagreb is very hostile to visitors. Luis Enrique's men have to keep their cool against the crowd. Sergio Ramos and Sergio Busquets being senior members in the team have to mentor the youngsters. Spain will have the backing of Jordi Alba who is back in the national team following impressive performances at club level.
Croatia will come into the game looking to play more like the World Cup finalists rather than the unit which turned up at Spain. Zlatko Dalic ought to have a plan up his sleeve for Isco. Last time around, Modric and Rakitic were schooled by him. The defensive four have to be really wary of the pace of Jordi Alba and the long-range shots from Asensio.
With only one point from the two games for the Hrvatska Nogometni are sure to be relegated should they lose this one. La Roja will confirm their status as group winners.
#3 Germany vs the Netherlands
Date and Venue: Veltins Arena, 20th November 2018, 1:15 AM IST
Germany is at rock bottom of their group in the UEFA Nations League. With two losses and a draw, there is no way that Germany can top the group. However, should they fail to win at their home against the Dutch, they are sure to be relegated. It is simple, a win is a must for Die-Mannschaft.
Up against them is the youth of the Dutch. With Ronald Koeman as the coach, the team has found a new fire within them. Their youngsters are performing very well. The performance against Germany was a perfect example of how a team should play. From Jasper at goal to Depay at the front, every player was on the same wavelength.
The solid defense of Van Dijk and De Ligt, combined with the prowess of Frenkie De Jong, the Dutch have a dangerous defense and a good midfield. Upfront Memphis Depay leads the lines with youngsters like Justin Kluivert and Quincy Promes. This young blood of the Dutch team is refreshing.
Germany meanwhile is struggling in the midfield after Ozil's retirement and Kross in poor form. Their forward star Timo Werner is not in great touch. Their resort comes in the return to form of Marco Reus. Reus tore apart Bayern Munich almost single handily. Joachim Loew should try and build his team around him.
This match could be decided in between Germany's attack and the Netherlands defense.
#2 Italy vs Portugal
Date and Venue: San Siro, 18th November 2018, 1:15 AM IST
Italy might no longer be the powerhouses that they once used to be in football. But still, they are a team who boasts a huge array of talents. Roberto Mancini's appointment as head coach gives hope to the Italian team to reach the heights that they once achieved.
However, Italy has struggled since his appointment with the results. It is not that they lack talent. They boast the talents of two great deep-lying midfielders in Veratti and Jorginho. If operated in a double pivot that could turn into a lethal duo. Their defense is good. They have Chiellini, Bonucci, and Barzagli to operate at the back.
Also, they have the likes of Romagnoli and Florenzi to play at the back. The forward line has good players. Immobile, Graziano Pelle and Simone Zaza are moderately good. Italy can build a good team with this core.
Portugal will miss star-forward Cristiano Ronaldo but his absence won't be felt. Andre Silva's performances at the front of the pitch are fabulous as of late. Renato Sanches and Bernardo Silva will be martial the midfield. Bernardo is turning into a wonderful midfield player under Pep. They have great young defenders in Cancelo, Fonte, Guerrero, and Soares. Apart from Andre Silva, Goncalo Guedes is a great forward.
The match will be a great affair between two young midfield players. Bernardo against Jorginho will probably be a game-decider. Portugal won the previous game by a 1-0 margin. In Italy, things could be very different, because Italian grounds are tough to win away.
#1 The Netherlands vs France
Date and Venue: De Kuip, Rotterdam, 17th November 2018, 1:15 AM IST
The previous encounter between France and Netherlands earlier this season was a great and entertaining affair. France won by a slight 2-1 margin. The stats in the game were amazing. Both teams had almost equal possession and completed an almost equal number of passes. The difference came in the shots attempted.
France had a lot of attempts at goal but converted only 2/15. It speaks volumes of the defense that the Dutch boast. De Ligt, Van Dijk and Cillesen are almost unbeatable on their day. The French team also breathes a young set of players. Their forward lines are led by Antoine Griezmann along with Kylian Mbappe.
The fight for the flanks is great for French football. Ousmane Dembele, and Alexander Lacazette are all equally capable of playing superbly on the wings. The midfield is controlled by N'Golo Kante.
The other players who can fill in the midfield have the likes of Rabiot, Pogba, Matuidi, Nzonzi, and Lemar. Their defense is equally dangerous with Pavard, Lucas Hernandez and Kimpembe in great touch. Their problem lies with their star defender Raphael Varane who has been out of touch lately. Samuel Umtiti is just recovering from his injury. Kimpembe would possibly start with Varane but the possibility of a howler is very high with the duo.
This is a battle of youth. Expect good football with a very high tempo to the passing. Almost every pass would lead to an attack. The defenses of both teams should remain on their heels and our eyes should remain on the game for 90 minutes.
