Continuation of the international break this Sunday evening. After the victories of Denmark against Serbia (2-0), Slovakia against Azerbaijan among others (2-0) or the completely crazy draw between Gibraltar and Liechtenstein (2-2), the second day of the Nations League groups took place today with four other matches this evening. Spain traveled to Switzerland for a great game. Portugal hosted Scotland with Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench. Croatia faced Poland in Osijek. Sweden wanted to follow up by defeating Estonia. A very good program then which reserved several twists and turns for us with a vibrant multiplex.
More after this ad
In the Swedish city of Solna, on the pitch of the Friends Arena, Sweden made short work of Estonia (3-0) with a double from the unstoppable Viktor Gyökeres (30th and 44th) and also a goal from Alexander Isak (40th). The expulsion of Kevor Palumets (62nd) did not help Estonia’s fate. Jon Dahl Tomasson’s players therefore chain a second success and continue a flawless run. With a team composed of Isak Hien, Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, Dejan Kulusevski, Lucas Bergvall and Anthony Elanga, the Blågult are rebuilding little by little after their absence at the last Euro. In Osijek, on the Opus Arena pitch, Croatia had to fight, but managed to overturn Poland (1-0) thanks to its legend Luka Modric, a starter and scorer for his 180th selection (52nd).
Read Real Madrid’s two priorities for 2025, Virgil Van Dijk will extend with Liverpool
La Roja dominates the Nati, CR7 reverses the Tartan Army
But the spotlight was inevitably on the other two matches that took on the feel of Euro 2024. After drawing against Serbia last week, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain travelled to the Stade de Genève to face Switzerland. The start of the match was eventful with Joselu opening the scoring on a pass from Lamine Yamal (4th). Bećir Omeragić thought he had equalised immediately, but VAR disallowed the goal (8th). Fabian Ruiz then doubled the lead almost immediately for La Roja (13th) but Robin Le Normand’s sending off (20th) allowed Switzerland to believe in it again. Shortly before the break, Murat Yakın’s troops managed to reduce the score thanks to Zeki Amdouni (41st). But the Parisian midfielder scored twice (77th) and then Ferran Torres scored his goal (80th). Even reduced to ten, the Roja dominated the Nati (1-4).
More after this ad
More than 1,850 kilometres to the south, Portugal opened the doors of the Estádio do Benfica in Lisbon to Scotland. For this match, Roberto Martínez decided to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench. Steve Clarke’s players quickly opened the scoring thanks to Scott McTominay (7th). Although the Portuguese largely dominated the match, it was not until the 54th minute that the Seleção equalised in the wake of Bruno Fernandes. At the hour mark, Scotland had only shot once on goal and Portugal continued to push. Coming into play at half-time, Cristiano Ronaldo took on the role of hero of the evening by giving his country the victory (2-1) as the end of the match approached (88th). A deserved success given the Portuguese’s large domination.
Pub. and 9/08/2024 10:43 PM and 9/09/2024 10:41 AM
