The UEFA Nations League group stage is coming to an end. For the participating VfL internationals and their countries, the issues of promotion and relegation are set to be decided on the final matchday.
Sweden keep hopes alive against Croatia
Croatia missed the chance to preserve their League A status after losing 2-1 to Sweden in Group 3 on Saturday evening. Wolves duo Marin Pongracic and Josip Brekalo both started for the visitors in Solna before being substituted in the 77th minute. Croatia face Portugal in Split in their final group match on Tuesday 17 November (kick-off 20:45 CET).
Switzerland hold Spain
There’s all to play for in Group A4, too, after Switzerland drew 1-1 with much-fancied Spain in an eventful encounter in Basel. VfL pair Renato Steffen (73’) and Admir Mehmedi (90’) both appeared as second-half substitutes for the Swiss, who need to beat Ukraine in their final group game to avoid relegation to League B.
Late winner for Austria
Austria are in a much healthier position in Group B1 after securing a late 2-1 win over Northern Ireland. Pavao Pervan and Xaver Schlager played the full 90 minutes for Franco Foda’s side, who now need to beat Norway in Vienna on Wednesday (20:45 CET) to seal promotion.
Casteels watches on again
Koen Casteels was an unused substitute once again as Belgium recorded a 2-0 victory over England in Sunday’s much-anticipated Group A2 clash. A draw at home to Denmark on Wednesday (20:45 CET) will be enough for the Red Devils to qualify for the Nations League finals as group winners.
Clean sheet for Brooks
A USA side featuring VfL centre-back John Anthony Brooks took on Wales in a friendly match last Thursday. The defender played the full 90 minutes in Swansea, helping Gregg Berhalter’s team keep a clean sheet. USA face Panama in another friendly in Vienna on Monday (20:45 CET).
