Matchday 4 of the UEFA Nations League 2024 has concluded, with several top-tier teams already booking their spots in the quarter-finals.
, securing a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in Munich, became the pioneer team to advance to the next stage in League A. Shortly thereafter, Spain, the reigning champions, secured their quarter-final berth with a commanding 3-0 win against Serbia at the Nuevo El Arcangel stadium in Cordoba.
While Italy and have not yet mathematically clinched qualification, their significant lead in Group 2 of League A makes their progression highly likely. Another team that made it to the quarters is Portugal, despite playing to a 0-0 stalemate with Scotland yesterday.
This week in League B also saw crucial developments. England’s 3-1 triumph over Finland maintained their second place in Group 2, trailing behind Greece. Group 3 witnessed intense competition with three teams now tied at 7 points, highlighted by Austria’s formidable 5-1 victory over Norway. Group 1 remains tightly contested after Georgia’s defeat to Albania and Czech Republic’s 1-1 draw with Ukraine.
For further highlights and detailed coverage of the most significant matches this week, see below.
Spain Secure Quarter-Final Spot With 3-0 Win
Defending champions Spain effortlessly secured a 3-0 triumph over Serbia on Tuesday to advance to the quarter-finals, despite being without prodigious teenager Lamine Yamal. Yamal had to return to Barcelona due to an injury scare from the previous victory against Denmark.
Dominating possession throughout the match, Spain unleashed an impressive 30 shots on goal, thoroughly outclassing their opponents. Even with Alvaro Morata missing a penalty in the second half, Spain managed to score three goals by the end of the game.
Spain surged ahead early when Aymeric Laporte scored in just the fifth minute. Although they couldn’t find the back of the net again in the first half, Morata increased their lead with a well-placed goal in the 65th minute. Following Strahinja Pavlovic’s red card for a foul on Mikel Oyarzabal, Alex Baena capitalized on the ensuing free kick, sealing the match beyond the reach of the Serbian team.
This win extended Spain’s unbeaten streak to 14 games. They are poised to top Group 4 and appear to be the team to beat once again.
Leweling Shines in ’s 1-0 Triumph Over Netherlands
Jamie Leweling made an impressive debut for , scoring the only goal in their 1-0 victory against the Netherlands on Monday.
The 23-year-old initially had a goal disallowed for offside just two minutes into the match. However, he made up for it by scoring the decisive goal in the 64th minute following a failed attempt by the Dutch to clear a corner, which Leweling expertly finished into the top right corner.
Although the Germans had several scoring chances, they couldn’t breach the Dutch defense again. Nevertheless, their superior ball control and Leweling’s crucial goal secured the win for .
sits atop Group 3 with 10 points from four matches, virtually assuring them a spot in the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, the Netherlands, tied with Hungary at five points, will clash with them on November 16 to battle for the second position.
Triumphs 2-1 Over Belgium for Third Win
narrowly defeated Belgium 2-1, keeping their quarter-final qualification hopes alive.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani initiated the scoring in the 35th minute with a penalty, awarded after Wout Faes committed a handball in the area.
Just before halftime, Openda brought the game back to level , connecting with a Timothy Castagne cross and heading the ball into the net in the third minute of stoppage time. This equalizer sent both teams into the break tied at 1-1.
The second half remained tightly contested until the 76th minute, when Kolo Muani struck again, heading in the decisive goal from a Lucas Digne cross. This goal secured a 2-1 victory for , maintaining their second position in Group 2 of League A in the competition.