UEFA Nations League – League C
While the two top-tier competitions of the UEFA Nations League continue to grab headlines, League C is also making its case as the most exciting division to watch.
The league may lack the high-profile teams comparable to Germany, France, Belgium, Wales, Sweden and the likes. However, when it comes to action-packed football and drama, League C isn’t falling behind.
Matchday 3 already provided some thrilling games and storylines, and that continued this Matchday 4 with some League C teams keeping the fight close for the top spot, some taking over the lead, and another totally dominating the competition.
Seriously, what’s not to love?
GROUP 1
The biggest talking point last week was Israel’s controversial win over Scotland through a late own goal. Fans and pundits alike believe they do not deserve all three points in that match, so Israel came out with the hunger to win and shut down all their critics with a convincing performance against Albania.
Tomer Hemed opened the scoring for the Israelis on eight minutes before substitute Dia Saba closed the door to any chance of a comeback with a deflected shot from 20 yards.
Highlight of the Group: Goalkeeper Ariel Harush was the best player for Israel against Albania, and by far the most important. He parried away a Bekim Balaj header early in the game before setting up Hemed with a long pass for their first goal.
Harush denied another headed effort from Balaj after that, further frustrating the visitors who eventually went down 2-0.
Key statistics: The victory is only Israel’s second win under new boss Andreas Herzog since he took over the national team last September. It is also their first back-to-back wins since the World Cup qualifiers back in 2016.
GROUP 2
Finland are just unstoppable, plain and simple. The UEFA Nations League 2018 odds at SBOBET had them chasing Greece for the top spot, but they quickly turned things around and established their domination in Group C2.
Now, the Finns stand atop the group with 12 points after blanking the Greeks 2-0 in their latest meeting. Pyry Soiri and Glen Kamara were both on target in the second half as Markku Kanerva’s Finland pulled away for good.
On the other group match, Estonia and Hungary played out a pulsating 3-3 draw that saw the lead change three times. In the end, the two had to settle for a stalemate after Hungary skipper Adam Szalai completed his brace with an 81st-minute equaliser.
Highlight of the Group: While Finland’s display is noteworthy, it’s the Estonia-Hungary tie that deserves the spotlight. Szalai’s performance was particularly impressive, keeping the Hungarians in the game throughout.
Szalai put his team ahead midway through the second half, and when they found themselves in trouble again, he rose up to the occasion and headed home off an Istvan Kovacs corner.
Key statistics: With their fourth straight clean sheet, Finland remain one of only four teams in the whole competition (from League A to D) not to concede a goal. They are also one of six teams that boast a perfect record (with four consecutive wins).
Estonia, meanwhile, logged their first points in the tournament.
GROUP 3
Norway beat Bulgaria 1-0 and took the top spot in the process by virtue of goal difference.
The Bulgarians saw little opportunity to score in the match, and after Mohamed Elyounoussi put the Norwegians ahead at the half hour, the visiting side was doomed. All Norway had to do was play defence, and they did so impressively to move up to nine points.
Slovenia and Cyprus, for their part, played out a 1-1 draw in a highly physical and intense game that ended with 31 fouls committed.
Highlight of the Group: Norway are certainly satisfied with Elyounoussi’s goal. The 24-year-old midfielder deservedly gave the hosts the lead after Omar Elabdellaoui sent him a cross which he converted from close range.
Key statistics: It’s interesting to note that Norway had only one chance on target against Bulgaria and brilliantly made the most out of it. The most interesting statistic from the Group C3 match though is the six yellow cards and three red cards shown in the Slovenia-Cyprus encounter.
GROUP 4
Montenegro intensified the battle at the top of Group C4, thanks to their 1-4 thrashing of Lithuania and Serbia’s goalless stalemate with Romania.
Stefan Mugosa scored twice in the first half to pace the Brave Falcons to victory. Lithuania’s Rolandas Baravykas found the back of the net late in the game, but it was a mere consolation in a largely one-sided affair.
Meanwhile, Serbia failed to extend their lead at the top as Romania held them to a draw for the second time in the tournament.
Highlight of the Group: One of the key UEFA Nations League 2018 highlights of Matchday 4 is actually a lowlight. Dusan Tadic had a chance to win the game for Serbia from the penalty area, but he sent his first-half spot-kick high and way off the pitch.
Key statistics: Serbia dominated against Romania throughout, winning 66 percent of the possession, but were wasteful in front of the net. Their five offsides are a bit surprising, though.
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