Nations League quarter-finals: betting on Spain and France, expecting a showdown from the clash of titans!
On March 20, numerous national team matches will take place, but the Nations League quarter-final playoffs will draw the most attention. Here’s a preview of these clashes.
Denmark vs Portugal. Are the Portuguese really that scary?
Even when playing away, Portugal is considered the favorite, which seems logical given their strong lineup and confident performance in the Nations League group stage. Playing against the "Seleção" is a dangerous venture, so I think the Danes will likely try to "dry up" the game.
Denmark didn't impress in the group stage, finishing second ahead of Serbia and Switzerland, but they posed no competition to Spain, and Portugal is of a similar caliber. The hosts can't match the opponent in terms of squad depth; their main weapon is game organization, which gives them a chance to achieve an optimal result. Let's not forget the Ronaldo effect; he scored five goals in the Nations League group stage and has scored twice against Denmark, making him a major threat. Looking ahead, the winner of this pair will face the winner of the Italy vs Germany clash. This time, I don't believe in a high-scoring game as the result will be very important.
Bet on the match: Total under 2.5 goals. Odds – 1.86.
Italy vs Germany. A principled clash of titans!
Perhaps the most spectacular fixture of the day, even though many strong national teams are playing in other pairs. Historically, these teams have faced each other many times, even in the 1982 World Cup final. Italy has always won the crucial matches, although Germany certainly doesn't look weaker now.
The bookmakers have decided not to tempt fate and have given both teams equal chances of victory. Although Italy finished second, they collected the same number of points as France, exchanging away wins 3-1 in head-to-head encounters, with goal difference being the decisive factor.
The German team went through the group stage unbeaten, with 4 wins and 2 draws, which was enough to win the group, leaving the Netherlands 5 points behind. Both teams will feature many strong players, although Germany undoubtedly looks more attractive in terms of stars. In such a clash of titans, I expect end-to-end football.
Bet on the match: Both teams to score – yes. Odds – 1.85.
Netherlands vs Spain. Will the teams put on a show this time?
Another intriguing pair with a history, their main battle took place in the 2010 World Cup final when the Dutch had stars like Robben, Sneijder, and Van Persie, and the Spaniards had Xavi, Iniesta, and Alonso. Iniesta's goal in extra time decided it all – 1:0 in favor of Spain.
Fast forward to today, both national teams remain strong and dangerous. The Netherlands suffered only one loss in the group stage but couldn't compete with Germany, trailing by 5 points, yet they managed to surpass Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Spain, the reigning European champions, hasn't lost in a year; their last defeat was to Colombia in a friendly, and in official matches, they last lost two years ago. "La Roja" confidently won their Nations League group, collecting 16 points in six games, leaving Denmark 8 points behind. On paper, the visitors are slight favorites, and it will be tough for the Dutch to stop such a Spain.
Bet on the match: Spain to win with a handicap of 0. Odds – 1.71.
Croatia vs France. Another battle of old acquaintances
In another Nations League quarter-final, old acquaintances meet again, having crossed paths twice in the Nations League groups, with their main match taking place in the 2018 World Cup final, where France won 4-2.
Croatia is undergoing a generational change, with Modric and Perisic nearing the end of their careers. The squad has strong players but appears weaker than the previous generation. In the Nations League group stage, the "Checkered Ones" collected 8 points in six matches, finishing second in the standings, unable to compete with Portugal, trailing by 6 points.
The French are always strong and dangerous; in their Nations League group, they snatched first place from Italy in the last round by defeating them 3-1 away, having previously lost by the same score at home, with goal difference being the deciding factor.
I think the French are rightly considered favorites for this match; they won all their away matches in the Nations League group stage, so they can do it again.
Bet on the match: France to win with a handicap of 0. Odds – 1.53.
Manuel Chávez
Dailysports's expert
