NATIONAL TREASURE

Sebastian Zucchet

The UEFA Nations League is back and it is back with a bang. Although many people see them as glorified friendlies, the Nations League offers so much more. A quick rundown on how the competition works: There are four leagues (A,B,C,D) and all 54 nations (Russia are suspended) are seeded and drawn into their respective leagues.

The four winners in leagues B and C will be promoted up one league, and the last placed teams are relegated. The two league winners in group D are promoted to league C. The winners in group A move on to a semi final, and then a final to determine the winner. With the first half of the newest edition of the UEFA Nations League completed let's take a look at the biggest flops, and best teams.

Flops

France

The reigning world champions and Nations League champions have found it tough to get going in the 2022-23 campaign. They currently sit in last behind Denmark, Croatia, and Austria and with 0 wins are at a serious threat of getting relegated.

Italy

The Euro champions continue to struggle three months after the loss to North Macedonia. They are third in their group with one win and were just battered 5-2 by Germany on Tuesday as concerns from Azzuri fans continue to grow.

England

England’s recent Nations League collapse has the whole country in a meltdown. Many fans are calling for manager Gareth Southgate to be sacked, despite him taking England to the 2018 WC semi finals and the Euro 2020 final.

The three lions have yet to win a game, or score a goal from open play and recently lost 4-0 at home to Hungary, their worst home result since 1928.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland were placed in a group they should have destroyed, yet they sit in last place with threats to be relegated to League D. Zero wins against Cyprus, Kosovo, and Greece is a real concern for a team that just recently prevented Italy from qualifying for the World Cup.

Best Teams

Hungary

Hungary were once again put in a group of death, and once again have proved that they are no cowards. The Hungarians beat England twice already including a 4-0 demolition job in England, whilst also drawing the Germans. As it stands they would win the group going to the semi finals. You could say that they’re hungry to prove themselves.

Denmark

The Danes glorious international form continues as they lead group A ahead of the 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia and France. After a brilliant Euros campaign Denmark showed no signs of slowing down and are hoping to qualify for the Nations League semi finals.

Montenegro

They may be in second place, but if results go their way we could see Montenegro being promoted to League A as they are on a run that is being looked over by most fans. Stefan Mugosa has four goals in four games, including a hat trick in a 3-0 thrashing of Romania.

Norway

Placed in a group with Serbia, Sweden, and Slovenia, you’d think Norway would struggle a little bit, but that isn’t the case at all. Led by Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland, Norway lead the group and are undefeated. Haaland has five goals in the four games and this could be the beginning of a golden generation in Norway.

Greece

The Greeks are 4-0-0 and are yet to concede a goal in their Nations League campaign. After a long hiatus of being out of Europe’s top competitions, Greece look to be slowly making their way back through the Nations League. Anastasios Bakasetas has three game winners in the four matches played so far.

Kazakhstan

Probably the biggest shock of the tournament, Kazakhstan lead their group with 2 matches left to play and have been absolutely brilliant.

They finished with zero wins in World Cup qualifying, and now they haven’t lost a game in the Nations League and have beaten Slovakia twice. They are so close to being promoted to League B.

Latvia

Latvia may be in League D but they are doing a great job and will no doubt be promoted back to League C as they sit on a perfect record and Vladislav Gutskovskis has four goals in four games.

If results continue to go the way they have been, we could potentially be seeing Kazakhstan in the same Nations League group as England or France.