UEFA Nations League – League C
It’s fair to say that the UEFA Nations League has somewhat become a darling to some international football fans. While the increased injury risk to players is something no good football fan should want, the increase in the quality of play displayed by these nations showcase the various styles of football that are spreading across the continent.
Today’s series of matches was especially interesting for the discerning SBOBET punter as the most recent results of the day have set up some of the most dramatic finishes that we will ever see in this tournament.
Ready your chair and bring out your notebooks: it’s going to be quite a bumpy ride through the wild jungles of League C!
Group 1
Scotland definitely remembered their bitter loss to Israel during their last Nations League clash and came to Albania with a purpose. They were there to win their group, and the unfortunate Eagles had to face the Scottish wrath.
Scotland converted four goals after making 18 shot attempts throughout the one-sided affair. It is important to mention, however, that Albania lost Mergim Mavraj to a red card early on in the game and had to play with only ten men in the field. They have now set up a win-or-go-home situation with Israel at Hampden Park.
Highlight of the Group: There are a good number of moments in this game that would make any UEFA Nations League 2018 highlights compilation, but James Forrest’s second goal in the 67th minute would have to take the cake. The way he avoided the Albanian defender with some skill and finished the move with a volleyed effort is nothing short of impressive.
Key statistics: While Albania were the ones that got handed a red card, they weren’t playing especially rough defence on the day. The Scots made 20 fouls and got booked four times.
Group 2
This group was supposed to be a one-boat race as Finland were cruising through the rest of the competition without any actual worries. However, everything changed when an unfortunate own goal from Albin Granlund doomed the Finns to their first loss of the season. They now only have three points to protect themselves against Greece.
Meanwhile, Hungary doomed Estonia to relegation as their 2-0 result at home ensured that they would stay in this League for a bit while longer. There was nothing Martin Reim’s men could do about the situation as they found themselves outclassed by their hosts in every possible category.
Highlight of the Group: Both of Hungary’s goals against Estonia were impressive as they came in the form of headers. However, Adam Szalai’s goal is a bit more impressive as it came from open play.
Key statistics: Both of these games saw the hosts dominate the game in terms of possession and goal attempts made. However, Hungary were never caught offside by Estonia. Meanwhile, the Finnish defence managed to tag Greek attackers as offside thrice in 90 minutes.
Group 3
The tight deadlock between Norway and Bulgaria come to a head as the most recent results in Group 3 were all 1-1 draws. Benjamin Verbic gave Slovenia the early advantage against Norway, but the current leaders of the group managed to get back with a late equaliser from Bjorn Johnsen.
The Cyprus-Bulgaria game mirrored the first game as the hosts struck first. Panyiotis Zachariou gave the Cypriots an early with a long-range strike to the bottom-right corner. However, a penalty from Nikolay Dimitrov secured the point for Bulgaria, the nation that once led the group at a point in the competition.
Highlight of the Group: I would have to cede the best highlight to Cyprus’ Zachariou. It’s not easy to fire a long-range shot in front of a formidable Bulgarian defence, but he managed to make his shot work.
Key statistics: It is interesting to note that the visitors — who are also tied on points at the top of the group table — had to wait until they were past the 80-minute mark in order to score their equalisers. This strange observation sets up an interesting finale that will make for great UEFA Nations League 2018 odds.
Group 4
Serbia are still the leaders of Group 4 after beating Montenegro 2-1. While Aleksandar Mitrovic did commit a howler with his missed penalty, his fantastic goal in the 32nd minute and Adem Ljajic’s spectacular shot from open play managed to neutralise Stefan Mugosa’s 70th-minute shot.
Meanwhile, Romania pulled off a systematic dismantling of Lithuania with a 3-0 victory in front of a rabid Stadionul Ilie Oana crowd. George Puscas, Claudiu Keseru, and Nicolae Stanciu overwhelmed an outclassed Lithuanian backline and ended the game in a comfortable tone.
Highlight of the Group: Mitrovic’s 32nd-minute goal against Montenegro is easily the best bit of football you will find in the league. The way the Fulham striker changed the direction of the whipped cross to land into the net is mesmerising in itself.
Key statistics: While Lithuania suffered an embarrassing score, they cannot blame Ernestas Setkus for the quality he showcased on the pitch. He made five saves against eight on-target shots by the Romanians.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
