Germany’s World Cup group opponents Spain suffered a surprising defeat against Switzerland in the Nations League and therefore have to worry about winning the group. Norway missed a big step towards promotion in Slovenia, despite an accurate Haaland.
Germany’s World Cup group opponents Spain stumbled over Switzerland in the Nations League – and could now lose their place in the finals to arch-rivals Portugal of all people. Spain lost 2-1 (0-1) to the Swiss in Zaragoza, on the fifth day of the game it was the first defeat for last year’s finalists. At the same time, Portugal won their game in the Czech Republic 4-0 (2-0).
The team around superstar Cristiano Ronaldo ensured a final for first place. Portugal is at the top of Group 2 of the A league with 10 points, Spain follows with 8 points, next Tuesday (8:45 p.m. / DAZN) the two will meet in Portugal. Only the first moves into the Final Four of the Nations League. Switzerland climbed to third place with 6 points, ahead of the Czech Republic (4) and now has a good chance of avoiding relegation to the B-League.
Two former Bundesliga professionals ensured the decision in favor of Switzerland: former Dortmund player Manuel Akanji scored with a header (21st), and he extended another corner decisively in the direction of ex-Gladbacher Breel Embolo (58th).
Israel, however, made promotion to League A prematurely. Coach Alon Hazan’s team defeated Albania 2-1 (0-0) in Tel Aviv on Saturday night and, with eight points from four games, can no longer be relegated from first place in Group B2.
Star striker Erling Haaland (47th) also scored again in the B league, but his Norwegians still have to tremble in the fight for promotion to League A. In Slovenia, Norway conceded its first defeat at 1:2 (0:0), in the evening Serbia drew level on points in league B4: They scored 4:1 (2:1) against Sweden. On Tuesday (8.45 p.m. / DAZN) Norway and Serbia will duel in Oslo for promotion.
In the race for promotion to the highest league, Ukraine still has chances. Coach Oleksandr Petrakow’s team won 5-0 (1-0) against bottom-placed Armenia and is still second in Group 1 with ten points. Scotland (12) beat Ireland 2-1 (0-1) and defended first place. Here, too, there is a direct duel between Ukraine and Scotland on Tuesday (8.45 p.m. / DAZN).
