MY ACCOUNT
Nations League action is back on the menu on Friday, with three League A fixtures catching the eye.
And the pick of the bunch promises to be the Group 1 clash between holders France and Denmark.
France vs Denmark (7.45pm BST)
After a disappointing Euro 2020, France bounced back by winning the second edition of the Nations League, beating Spain 2-1 in the final at the San Siro.
Since being knocked out of the Euros on penalties by Switzerland, Les Bleus have embarked on a nine-game unbeaten run and have racked up seven straight victories heading into this League A Group 1 contest at the Stade de France.
With the likes of Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe leading the line for the reigning world champions, Didier Deschamps will be confident of getting his side off to a winning start.
But Denmark will be no pushovers having proven their quality by reaching the semis at Euro 2020, only to lose 2-1 to eventual runners-up England after extra-time.
Kasper Hjulmand’s men have won seven of their nine matches since that defeat to the Three Lions, proving they are still keeping their standards high.
Yet Denmark have lost their last two away matches, going down 2-0 to Scotland and then 4-2 to the Netherlands, and it would be no surprise to see them struggle on French soil.
Croatia vs Austria (7.45pm BST)
The other League A Group 1 encounter sees Croatia, beaten finalists at the 2018 World Cup, take on Austria, who earned promotion to League A after winning League B Group 1 in the 2020-21 edition of the Nations League.
Zlatko Dalic’s men are on a nine-game unbeaten streak — winning six and drawing three — while the Austrians have failed to win their last two matches and have tasted success just three times from the previous eight.
Both sides look suspect at the back, so it would not be a surprise to see goals at both ends.
The hosts have kept just one clean sheet in their last five matches and Das Team have one shutout from their previous eight.
Belgium vs Netherlands (7.45pm BST)
It promises to be an entertaining affair at King Baudouin Stadium when Belgium, who finished fourth in the previous Nations League, play host to the Netherlands in League A Group 4.
The Red Devils are unbeaten in their last four — winning two and drawing two — while the Dutch are on a nine-game unbeaten streak.
The Netherlands have impressed on their travels, scoring 14 goals in a five-match unbeaten run, and they may have enough to come out on top in Brussels.
This is the biggest test Belgium have faced in several months and the end of a gruelling domestic campaign could take its toll on several squad members.
With Poland beating Wales 2-1 in the opening match in this group, both sides will be hoping to pick up three points.
