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UEFA Nations League Semifinal Recap and Finals Prediction

Nakul Joshi

Portugal: 3

Switzerland: 1

The game starts off as the possession is almost evenly split with Switzerland having the greater half. Swiss striker Shaqiri almost nets a goal after a clever give-and-go pass, but Portugal goalkeeper Sommer blocks it in time. Then, in the 25th minute, after a foul, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo scores a freekick from outside the penalty area. Following the start of the second half, Swiss defender Rodriguez equalizes the score as he nets a penalty after being tripped inside the penalty box. However, the Portuguese retaliate as Ronaldo scores once again through an assist from the right wing. The game moves on with Portugal in the lead while Switzerland misses a few attempts at goal. Their victory is sealed as Ronaldo scores marking his third goal in the game.


Netherlands: 3

England: 1

This matchup resulted in a closer and more evenly tied game. To start off, England earns and scores a penalty as Marcus Rashford is tripped by Mattias de Ligt inside of the penalty area. The scoreboard stays scarce for the remainder of the game until the 73rd minute when de Ligt heads in a goal from a corner equalizing the score redeeming himself for the mistake that cost the Netherlands a goal in the process. Following the goal, English midfielder Jesse Lingard scores. However, the goal is deemed offsides after a challenge from Holland. Nonetheless, due to the tie, the match heads into extra time during which Kyle Walker sprints to score a rebound from the goalkeeper and Promes scores after yet another missed pass from the English cementing Netherland’s ascent to the finals.


Finals:

Portugal vs. Netherlands

Prediction: Although Portugal has a great offensive line with young prodigy Joao Felix and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Netherlands is a strong team with a great defense including de Ligt and 2019 Premier League Player of the year Virgil van Dijk, who has not let a single player dribble past him in over 50 past games. The Holland defense is strong enough to shut down Portugal, who have not got much more than their offense going for them. The Netherlands, on the other hand also have a strong offense with Wijnaldum and Depay which is why Netherlands is more likely to win the UEFA Nations League Finals.

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