Spain are fancied to prove just too sharp for Croatia in Sunday’s Nations League final at De Kuip in Rotterdam. La Roja were runners-up to France two years ago but can go one better this time after seeing off Italy in the semis, following Croatia’s extra-time defeat of hosts Holland.
Italy were edged out 2-1 by Spain in the Nations League semi-finals a couple of years ago but may turn the tables in the Netherlands this time around. The Azzurri, who beat La Roja on penalties at the same stage of the delayed Euro 2020, have a more experienced squad than their opponents here.
Netherlands reached the inaugural Nations League final in 2019 and will hope home advantage helps them get there again on Wednesday night. The Dutch are hosting this year’s finals and head into the first semi-final as favourites in Rotterdam but they are up against Croatia.
Netherlands are the slight favourites in the 2023 Nations League winner odds ahead of the semi-finals on June 14-15. Spain and Italy are next best in the outright betting, with Croatia rated the outsiders after reaching this stage for the first time.
England have already been relegated from Nations League Group A3 but should never lack motivation against old rivals Germany. Die Mannschaft can’t qualify for the finals and have some key players out of form at club level, so we’re sticking with the Three Lions at home.
Hungary started out as rank outsiders to win Nations League Group A3 but now only have to avoid defeat at home to Italy to top the table. The Magyars were beaten by the Azzurri in Cesena but three victories and a draw elsewhere have put them in pole position for a place in the finals.
Ukraine have already broken Scotland’s hearts once this year but we’re hoping lightning doesn’t strike twice when they clash in Poland. The Blue and Yellow won June’s World Cup play-off and can still pip Steve Clarke’s side to top spot in Nations League Group B1 with a victory here.
Portugal are in pole position to win Nations League Group A2, being a couple of points in front of Spain heading into this closing contest. The last four head-to-head meetings between these sides have all ended in stalemate and that would suffice for the hosts again in Braga.
Switzerland only need a point to avoid relegation from Nations League Group A2 at the expense of Czech Republic but can ensure their safety in style. The Rossocrociati have upset Portugal and Spain in their last two matches and now face opponents who have suffered three straight defeats.
Netherlands can afford to lose by two goals against Belgium in Amsterdam and still finish on top of the Nations League Group A4 table. However, Louis van Gaal will be determined to make it a 15-match unbeaten run since returning for a third stint as Holland manager.
Wales have only picked up one point in Nations League Group A4 but can still avoid relegation if beating Poland. The Dragons were distracted by a World Cup play-off at the start of their campaign but have been competitive throughout and deserve this chance to stay up.
Croatia began their Nations League campaign with a 3-0 home loss to Austria but have since battled their way to the top of the Group A1 table. Das Team are now facing relegation after picking up just one more point and we fully expect the Blazers to exact revenge in Vienna.
Spain are fancied to cement their position at the top of Nations League Group A2 by seeing off basement dwellers Switzerland in Zaragoza. La Roja have already beaten the Rossocrociati 1-0 in Geneva during this campaign and can confirm their superiority on home turf.
Czech Republic have performed with credit on home turf in Nations League Group A2 and are backed to hold their own against Portugal in Prague. The Navigators won 2-0 when these teams met in Lisbon, but they have only picked up one point from two away fixtures.