Domestic football is just around the corner folks, with Europe’s big leagues ready to serve up another feast of football and we’ll be right here with all the news, action, and results as they roll in.
But before all that we have a superb appetiser when the second UEFA Nations League kicks off in just over a week’s time.
The Inaugural competition was a superb success, culminating in a showcase final when a Gonzalo Guedes strike gave Portugal a win on home soil to win the 2019 trophy, and they will begin the defence of their crown on 5th September with a tough test against Croatia.
All four leagues from A to D have thrown up some competitive fixtures in the opening rounds and the big name nations in particular will draw huge television audiences, but which clash is the pick?
Today, SBOTOP picks the matches to watch out for.
Germany vs Spain
There are plenty to choose from and the opener in Group A4 has a great claim, when Germany meets Spain on 3rd September.
Joachim Low is rebuilding a strong Germany team after a poor performance at the Russia 2018 World Cup, and the FC Bayern trio of Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry are likely to feature strongly in his plans for Euro 2021.
Winger Leroy Sane, who has recently switched from Manchester City to FC Bayern, will be hoping to rejuvenate his career after an injury hit season, while Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz is sure to have a big international career ahead of him.
Luis Enrique’s Spain is packed with experience. They are led by the formidable Sergio Ramos and they will have high hopes for the Nations League. And we could see a glimpse of Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati, the future of Spain’s attack.
Netherlands vs Poland
On Friday 4th September, runners-up the Netherlands kick off their campaign in Group A1 with a match against Poland.
The best striker in European football will come face-to-face with the best centre-back pairing as Poland’s Robert Lewandowski will try to get the better of Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt.
Lewandowski has had another prolific season, winning the Bundesliga Golden Boot while scoring 15 goals in Bayern’s successful Champions League campaign. But he’ll have to be at his best to beat the Oranje back line.
The UEFA Nations League 2020 results from Saturday 5th of September will be well worth looking out for as some of the best sides in world football begin their campaigns.
Iceland vs England
The first of four mouthwatering clashes is the meeting of two old foes when Iceland hosts England in their opening Group A2 game.
The Three Lions were humiliated when the Icemen dumped them out of the 2016 European Championships with a 2-1 defeat in the Round of 16.
Since then, England head coach Gareth Southgate has built a young and exciting team which came close at Russia 2018, losing in a semi-final to Croatia, and finished third in the Nations League last time round.
Southgate has a couple of off-field problems to deal with.
Centre-back Harry Maguire is helping Greek police with their inquiries after an altercation while he was on holiday.
Meanwhile, Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling may have to self-isolate after attending a party with sprint legend Usain Bolt, who recently tested positive for COVID-19.
Denmark vs Belgium
On the same day, Denmark have a very difficult opening match against Belgium.
The Red Devils are still top of the FIFA World Rankings, with World Champions France second and England in fourth.
And it’s about time the Golden Generation won something. Head coach Roberto Martinez has a group oozing with talent, led by Kevin de Bruyne, the Hazard brothers in Eden and Thorgan, and striker Romelu Lukaku who has enjoyed a superb first season in Serie A with Inter Milan.
Lukaku’s teammate Christian Eriksen is Denmark’s best creative player and a match-winner on his day.
Sweden vs France
Group A3 sees an opening clash between Sweden vs France.
The UEFA Nations League 2020 betting odds will have Les Bleus as favourites, with Belgium, England, and the Netherlands all in the hunt.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe took Russia 2018 by storm, scoring France’s fourth goal in their final victory over Croatia. At still only 21 years of age, he has the football world at his feet.
Portugal vs Croatia
And to round off an incredible day of international football, Nations League holders Portugal take on World Cup finalists Croatia.
Having two creative players in Cristiano Ronaldo vs Luka Modric, it is not a bad end to the weekend!
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