The Nations League wasn’t greeted with wild enthusiasm when it was first announced, but it is fair to say that it has made a promising start.
Fans of the four semi-finalists will undoubtedly be looking forward to next summer’s mini-tournament in Portugal and each team will be confident that they can emerge victorious.
Read on as we assess each side’s hopes of winning the Nations League title.
England
The Three Lions are favourites by wagering markets in sports betting sites across the world. Online betting at BetEasy shows that they’re one of the teams that could win the inaugural Nations League. Keep yourself updated at BetEasy to see if odds continue to show a positive light for them over the season.
Pitched into a group with Spain and Croatia, many people expected England to struggle. However, they bounced back from an opening defeat against Spain to finish top of the standings.
Their subsequent 3-2 victory in Spain will live long in the memory and highlighted how far the team has progressed under manager Gareth Southgate.
Portugal
Portugal sealed top spot in their group with a hard-fought point in Italy. The home side had the best chances, but were let down by poor finishing.
With home advantage next summer the hosts will be a tough nut to crack, although their hopes of success will probably hinge on Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability.
The 33-year-old has not retired from the international game, but is taking a break following the World Cup in Russia and it will be interesting to see if he represents his country again.
Netherlands
Two goals in the last five minutes against Germany secured a point for Netherlands to send them through to next summer’s tournament at the expense of France.
The Dutch are on a recovery mission after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and they will fancy their chances of success in Portugal.
Ronald Koeman’s side have lost just one of their last nine matches and could be the value bet at odds of 3/1 to win the Nations League.
Swtizerland
Haris Seferovic scored a hat-trick as the Swiss completed an unbelievable comeback to thrash Belgium and qualify for the last four of the Nations League.
Thorgan Hazard scored twice for Belgium in the opening 17 minutes, leaving Switzerland needing four goals to progress.
They went on to smash five without replay and it would be foolish to underestimate their chances of success next summer.
The Nations League semi-finals will take place in Portugal on June 5 & 6, with the final scheduled for June 9.
