MY ACCOUNT
The Nations League action continues on Sunday with crunch matches involving the likes of Denmark, France, the Netherlands and Belgium.
In League A Group 1, Croatia just need to match Denmark’s result to qualify for next summer’s finals, while France and Austria are in a battle to avoid relegation to the second tier.
It is a similar story in League A Group 4 where the Netherlands will finish top of the standings if they avoid defeat against a Belgium side that must claim a convincing victory if they are to pip their near neighbours to first place.
Austria vs Croatia (Sunday, 7.45pm)
The stats
Austria claimed a 3-0 victory in Croatia on the opening matchday of this year’s Nations League, but Ralf Rangnick’s side have failed to win since and defeat in Vienna would see them relegated from the top tier.
Croatia bounced back from their surprise defeat to Austria by taking 10 points from their next four games, a run that includes home and away victories over Denmark and a 1-0 success in France.
Another win on Sunday would guarantee Zlatko Dalic’s side their place in the Nations League finals and the omens are good for Croatia, as they have won each of their previous four away clashes with Austria.
Prediction
Croatia are chasing a fourth-successive win in the Nations League and sixth victory on the spin away from home.
The momentum certainly appears to be with the Vatreni, who may also have revenge on their mind following their home defeat to Austria in June.
However, it is unlikely to be an easy ride for Croatia, as their last five victories have been by a one-goal margin, while Austria have scored in their last five home fixtures.
A narrow Croatia win appears the most likely outcome and do not be surprised if both teams get on the scoresheet.
Denmark vs France (Sunday, 7.45pm)
The stats
Denmark have lost two of their last three Nations League games, but a victory over France could prove enough to see them top League A Group 1.
The Danes won 2-1 in Paris back in June – their first victory over Les Bleus since 2002 – while they boast an impressive home record, registering six successes from their last seven matches on their own patch.
France boosted their survival hopes with a 2-0 home victory over Austria last time out, ending a four-match winless run for the reigning world champions.
Prediction
There is no doubting Denmark’s impressive home record, but recent defeats to Croatia have highlighted one or two cracks within Kasper Hjulmand’s squad and France boast more than enough quality to exploit that, even with their own injury concerns.
Although still not at their best, France did return to winning ways against Austria and the fear of relegation should be enough to motivate Didier Deschamps’ side to deliver in Copenhagen.
France have not lost in Denmark since 1996 and it would be no surprise to see Les Bleus deliver a victory in what will be their final match ahead of their World Cup defence.
Netherlands vs Belgium (Sunday, 7.45pm)
The stats
The Netherlands are undefeated in League A Group 4 and sit three points clear of second-place Belgium, who they convincingly beat 4-1 in Brussels back in June.
Louis van Gaal’s side are unbeaten in 14 matches since losing to the Czech Republic at Euro 2020, with 10 of those contests ending in victory.
Belgium have only won one of their last five matches away from home, while their last victory on Dutch soil came in May 2004.
Prediction
The formbook suggests the Netherlands should get over the line in this game, but regardless of the result, there should be plenty of entertainment on show.
Goals have certainly been easy to come by for the Dutch of late, as they have netted at least two in each of their previous five Nations League games.
Belgium are also free scoring, as they have netted in 49 consecutive matches since losing to France in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
Both teams have scored in seven of the last eight meetings between these two sides and expect more of the same on Sunday, with this arguably proving the pick of the matches.
