MATCHDAY: Denmark, Dutch can reach Nations League Final Four

By: The Associated Press Posted: 9:49 AM CDT Wednesday, Sep. 21, 2022

A look at what’s happening in European soccer on Thursday:

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

A look at what’s happening in European soccer on Thursday:

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/09/2022 (1446 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A look at what’s happening in European soccer on Thursday:

NATIONS LEAGUE:

LEAGUE A, GROUP 1

Barcelona's Memphis Depay celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between FC Barcelona and Elche CF at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort)

Denmark can win the group and qualify for the Final Four next year by winning away to Croatia. But the Croats can move into pole position with a victory in Zagreb and will be confident after winning at defending champion France in the previous game. The Danes hold a two-point lead over the Croats, who will be safe from relegation if they avoid defeat or if France does not win at home to Austria. A win for Austria at Stade de France will relegate France to the second tier and ensure Austria stays up. Austria has an outside shot at qualifying with a victory and a Danish defeat. France coach Didier Deschamps has nine regular players injured, including goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris. That gives AC Milan’s Mike Maignan a chance to stake his claim for a starting place at the World Cup. Meanwhile, his club teammate Olivier Giroud needs three goals to equal Thierry Henry’s national scoring record of 51.

LEAGUE A, GROUP 4

The Netherlands and Belgium can set up a head-to-head on Sunday for the right to finish in first place and qualify for the Final Four next year if they both win their next-to-last group games against Poland and Wales, respectively. The Dutch are unbeaten and lead on 10 points — more than any other team in the top-tier groups — and are likely to start Memphis Depay even though the winger is spending a lot of time on the bench at Barcelona. Belgium is three points back in second place and must at least match Netherlands’ result to have a chance of topping the group. Only the first-place team goes through to the finals. Wales will be playing for the first time since Robert Page was hired as its full-time coach.