Spain 6-0 Germany, Croatia 2-3 Portugal: Nations League – as it happened
17-Nov-2020 21:41:46 | Guardian
Ferran Torres scored a hat-trick as Spain stormed into the Nations League Finals, while there were promotions for Gibraltar and the Faroe Islands
Related: Ferran Torres's treble helps Spain humble Germany in Nations League
It wasn’t quite 17 November 1993, but that was a pretty eventful night in the Nations League. Spain did a spectacular number on Germany to reach next year’s finals tournament, while there were promotions for Montenegro, the Faroe Islands and - most memorably of all - Gibraltar. Goodnight!
“Am watching the France-Sweden game,” says Julian Menz. “The commentator just said (freely translated of course), ‘One more goal and Sweden will qualify for ... [embarrassing pause] ... what?’. All blushes spared though, as Sweden took out their keeper, and France won the Stanley Cup. Or something like that.”
And this is what it all means
Group A3
GOAL and full time: Francve 4-2 Sweden (Coman 90+4) With Robin Olsen forward for a free-kick, Kingsley Coman taps the ball into an empty net. It was the last kick of the game; Sweden are going down to League B.
Full time: Gibraltar 1-1 Liechtenstein I’m told the word is ‘scenes’. Gibraltar have also been promoted to League C!
Full time: Malta 1-1 Faroe Islands The Faroe Islands are promoted to League C!!
Full time: Montenegro 4-0 Cyprus As expected, a comfortable night for Montenegro. They are promoted, Cyprus are relegated.
Well nobody saw that coming. Spain join France in next year’s Nations League Finals after a spectacular thrashing of Germany in Seville. Ferran Torres scored a fine hat-trick, and if anything the score flattered Germany.
GOAL! Andorra 0-5 Latvia (Krollis 90 pen)
Full time: Croatia 2-3 Portugal
GOAL! France 3-2 Sweden (Quaison 88) Now then! If Sweden can grab an equaliser, and Portugal hold on to their lead in Croatia, Sweden will avoid relegation.
Well I never.
GOAL! Croatia 2-3 Portugal (Ruben Dias 90) It’s been a good night for Manchester City players. Ruben Dias gets his second to give Portugal a meaningless but doubtless heartwarming victory in Croatia.
Gibraltar 1-1 Liechtenstein Three minutes plus stoppage time remaining. Gibraltar have had no shots on target and have barely completed 100 passes in the match, but as things stand they will be promoted.
Gibraltar 1-1 Liechtenstein Right, I’ve switched to the Gibraltar game. There are eight minutes remaining and Gibraltar are hanging on to the draw that would put them into League C.
“It boggles my mind,” says Yash Gupta, “that it is not even Spain’s best starting XI.”
Spain 5-0 Germany Dave Mandy wonders who was the last player to score a hat-trick against Germany. Michael Owen in 2001? Or has it been done since then?
League D It’s still Gibraltar 1-1 Liechtenstein and Malta 1-1 Faroe Islands. As things stand Gibraltar and the Faroe Islands will be promoted, but a goal for Liechtenstein or Malta would change that.
Spain 5-0 Germany Serge Gnabry hits the bar with an angry long-range strike. Sheesh, he got hold of that.
Spain 5-0 Germany As if it’s not Spain 5-0 Germany.
“I should be doing work, but I’m curious, am I only the only transfixed by League D?” asks Stefan Martens. “It’s quickly become the highlight of every international break for me. The idea that one of Gibraltar or Liechtenstein will be in League C next time round. The sense of disbelief that Latvia (smallish population notwithstanding) finds itself mired in League D when it came close to beating Germany at a major tournament ‘just’ 16 years ago.
“And nothing against Malta (lovely and fascinating country), but my heart sagged when news of their goal in Ta’ Qali came: I’ve always thought the Faroes are a fairly useful side (in a non-patronising sort of way) and I’d be overjoyed to see them in League C next cycle. Maybe one day they could out-Iceland Iceland and all that.”
Ferran Torres completes a memorable hat-trick with an emphatic finish! Yet again Germany were taken apart on the break, and Torres swept a beautiful first-time shot past Neuer from 20 yards.
GOAL! Malta 1-1 Faroe Islands (Jonsson 70) Ari Mohr Jonsson has equalised for the Faroe Islands! That’s a mighty goal, because a draw would ensure promotion to League C.
GOAL! Andorra 0-4 Latvia (Gutkovskis 70 pen) Andorra are going to finish rock bottom of group D1. On the plus side, there’s no relegation in League D.
“Hi Rob,” says Matt Burtz. “ESPN Plus here in the U.S. gives me a choice of all the games and I’ve gone with Gibraltar - Liechtenstein. Let me tell you, it’s far more entertaining than it has any right to be, even if the level is roughly equal to the National League North. Still 1-1, BTW.”
And if it stays like that, Gibraltar will be promoted to the National League proper.
GOAL! Croatia 2-2 Portugal (Kovacic 65) Mateo Kovacic’s second goal gives Croatia a bit of insurance, just in case Sweden come back to draw in France.
Spain 4-0 Germany Ferran Torres comes this close to his hat-trick, smashing just wide after another lovely move. Spain have been so exciting tonight.
GOAL! Croatia 1-2 Portugal (Joao Felix 60)
GOAL! France 3-1 Sweden (Giroud 59)
“This is getting alarming now,” says Jake Lynch. “I fear the DFB will be looking to make a change, and of course there is an obvious candidate at Anfield. I’d been hoping he’d stay a while longer.”
I can’t see it. One day, sure, but not at the moment; he’s not silly.
GOAL! Andorra 0-3 Lativa (J Ikaunieks 60) This is the one dead rubber of the night, though Janis Ikaunieks will remember it fondly: he’s scored twice in four minutes.
GOAL! Montenegro 4-0 Cyprus (Mugosa 60) Montenegro are going up, Cyprus are going down.
GOAL! Malta 1-0 Faroe Islands (Guillaumier 54) A big goal in Ta’ Qali. Matthew Guillaumier has given Malta the lead, and if it stays like that they will be promoted to League C!
GOAL! Andorra 0-2 Latvia (J Ikaunieks 57)
Ferran Torres gets his second, ramming home from close range after a good Spanish break down the left. Germany’s defending has been abysmal.
Spain 3-0 Germany There’s much more urgency in Germany’s attacking play in the second half. That’s the good news; the bad news is they need to score at least three times to have any chance of topping the the group.
GOAL! Croatia 1-1 Portugal (Ruben Dias 52) A potential spanner in Croatia’s works: Ruben Dias has equalised for Portugal in Split. Croatia still have a bit of a cushion with Sweden losing in France, but they are not completely safe.
Spain 3-0 Germany Another chance for Spain. Morata leads a three-on-two break but picks the wrong option and the move peters out. This could easily be 5-0 or 6-0.
Spain 3-0 Germany Manuel Neuer saves with his legs from Dani Olmo, who nicked the ball off Robin Koch and should probably have made it 4-0 to Spain. Germany are all over the show.
“Germany’s pressing of Spain has been uncoordinated and uncontrolled,” writes Paul. “The three midfield players Kroos, Goretzka and Ilkay are so far up the field when Spain build their attacks that some of their forwards are behind them. This seems a crazy idea as only Goretzka is a player who has the ability to be in such an aggressive pressing situation, Both Kroos and Ilkay favour sitting deeper as they are not the quickest. Also ridiculous marking at corners with Gnabry and Ilkay marking powerful and tall headers of the ball.”
It’s been very half-arsed, even down to the marking on set-pieces as you say. Gnabry v Morata? Good luck with that.
Peep peep! The second halves are underway. Germany have brought on Jonathan Tah for Niklas Sule.
“Evening Rob,” says Simon McMahon. “That Berti ‘goal’ still makes my jaw drop every time. There are FOUR England players playing him onside. Thank goodness VAR has put an end to dodgy offside decisions, eh?”
At least in the past you had a bit of clarity - most of the assistant referees were crap, so you knew to expect the unexpected.
“Spanish TV are calling this a festival of football,” says Paulo Biriani. “Can’t blame them. Personal question Rob. You’re not from Portsmouth are you?”
That is a personal question. I’m not, alas. As for Spain, they’ve been brilliant - so dynamic and decisive.
“Is it time for Joachim Low to quit and fulfil his destiny as a Bond villain?” wonders Rai Skrupskis. “Germany have been diabolical for a while.”
You’re probably right. He’s been doing the same job for 14 years, and I was about to slag him off for phoning it in and staying in his comfort zone until I remembered I’d been at the Guardian since 2004.
Peep peep! These are the half-time scores:
GOAL! Gibraltar 1-1 Liechtenstein (Frick 44) Liechtenstein’s promotion hopes are still alive. Noah Frick has equalised in their must-win match in Gibraltar.
Spain 3-0 Germany Sergio Ramos is the latest man to suffer a hamstring injury. He is replaced by Eric Garcia of Manchester City.
Spain 3-0 Germany This has been a blistering performance from Spain. The scoreline doesn’t flatter them one bit.
Spain get their second goal of the night from a corner. Fabian Ruiz curls an outswinger towards Rodri, who gets in front of his clubmate Rodri and flicks a superb header into the far corner.
GOAL! France 2-1 Sweden (Pavard 36) France have come behind to lead in Saint-Denis, and it looks like Sweden will be relegated to League B.
Spain 2-0 Germany F Torres scores against Germany in the 33rd minute; we’ve heard that one before.
Related: Euro 2008 final: Germany 0-1 Spain
A deserved goal - not just for Spain but also Ferran Torres, who is having a storming game. Dani Olmo flashed a header onto the bar and Torres smashed the rebound past Manuel Neuer. Spain are heading to next summer’s Nations League final.
GOAL! Croatia 1-0 Portugal (Kovacic 29) Chelsea’s Mateo Kovavic has given Croatia the lead against Portugal. If they win tonight they will stay in League A and Sweden will be relegated.
Spain 1-0 Germany Neuer makes a vital one-on-one save from Ferran Torres. Spain are hammering Germany.
GOAL! Montenegro 3-0 Cyprus (Boljevic 28) It’s all over in Podgorica. Aleksandar Boljevic has scored twice in four minutes to ensure they will beat Cyprus and then finish top of group C1.
GOAL! Montenegro 2-0 Cyprus (Boljevic 25) Montenegro are going to be promoted to League B.
Spain 1-0 Germany Replays show that Morata was well onside when he turned Ferran Torres’s cross into the net. I think he was behind the ball as well, so the assistant referee was wrong on two counts. It’s not quite comparable with Nicola Berti in 1990, but that was still a pretty poor decision.
Spain 1-0 Germany Morata has a goal disallowed for offside after a terrific counter-attack from Spain. I’m not sure he was offside, you know, but there’s no VAR tonight.
Spain 1-0 Germany Spain have been much the better team so far. Germany haven’t started playing.
The latest scores
GOAL! Gibraltar 1-0 Liechtenstein (Frommelt 17 og)
Gibraltar are also on course for promotion. They only need a draw tonight, and they’re ahead through an own goal from Noah Frommelt.
The in-form Alvaro Morata gives Spain the lead with a thumping header at the far post from Fabian Ruiz’s inswinging corner.
GOAL! France 1-1 Sweden (Giroud 16) That’s Olivier Giroud’s 43rd goal for France.
GOAL! Montenegro 1-0 Cyprus (Jovetic 14) Stevan Jovetic’s early goal should ensure a comfortable night for Montenegro, who will be promoted to League B if they beat Cyprus.
Spain 0-0 Germany Fabian Ruiz comes on to replace Canales.
Spain 0-0 Germany Sergio Canales’s hamstring has gone, so Spain will need to make an early substitution.
GOAL! Andorra 0-1 Latvia (Cernomordijs 6) This game is a dead rubber - but try telling that to Antonijs Cernomordijs!!!!
GOAL! France 0-1 Sweden (Claesson 5) Viktor Claesson scores an important early goal for Sweden after a mistake from yep him. Sweden will avoid relegation if they better Croatia’s result at home to Portugal.
Spain 0-0 Germany Gundogan fouls Olmo right on the edge of the area. A free-kick is given, though replays show it was inside the area. Whether it was a foul is another matter. Sergio Ramos’s free-kick is well saved by the diving Neuer.
Spain 0-0 Germany Nothing much to report in the first few minutes. Germany, who will go through with a draw, look like they are happy to play on the counter-attack.
Peep peep! We’re underway in Seville and, presumably, in all the other matches.
On the subject of club v country, this is an interesting piece from Nick Ames. A few club managers will be sitting uncomfortably tonight.
Related: Southgate claims players face 'huge pressure from clubs' over England duty
Malta v Faroe Islands team news
Malta (3-4-2-1) Bonello; Shaw, Agius, S Borg; J Mbong, Guillaumier, Teuma, Camenzuli; Gambin, Degabriele; Montebello.
Luxembourg v Azerbaijan team news
Luxembourg (3-4-1-2) Schon; Skenderovic, Gerson, Mahmutovic; Jans, Barreiro, Sinani, Michael Pinto; V Thill; Deville, E Muratovic.
Montenegro v Cyprus team news
Montenegro (4-4-2) Mijatovic; M Vukcevic, Vujacic, Simic, Marusic; Boljevic, Bakic, Scekic, Haksabanovic; Mugosa, Jovetic.
Andorra v Latvia team news
Andorra (4-4-2) Gomes; Jordi Rubio, Garcia, Emili Garcia, M San Nicolas; C Martinez, Rebes, Pujol, Cervos; Fernandez, M Vieira.
Gibraltar v Liechtenstein team news
Gibraltar (5-3-2) Coleing; Sergeant, Wiseman, R Chipolina, Olivero, Ronan; Badr, Annesley, Mouelhi; De Barr, L Walker.
France v Sweden team news
Despite having the square root of bugger all to play for, Portugal have picked a very strong side. Maybe this is Club v Country 2: The Revenge.
Spain v Germany team news
Spain (4-3-3) Unai Simon; Sergi Roberto, Ramos, Pau Torres, Gaya; Canales, Rodri, Koke; Dani Olmo, Morata, F Torres.
Substitutes: De Gea, Kepa, Cucurella, Inigo Martinez, Llorente, Gerard Moreno, Asensio, Traore, E Garcia, Fabian Ruiz, Oyarzabal, Merino.
Pre-match listening
Related: England's Nations League flop, Wales win and WSL drama – Football Weekly
On this day in 1993, it a went a bit bonkers.. relive it here..https://t.co/WYk7UITccm
Croatia v Portugal team news
Despite having the square root of bugger all to play for, Portugal have picked a pretty strong side.
This is it then: the sixth and final matchday of the 2020 Nations League. There are
nine
eight games tonight and 18 tomorrow (pity the fool who’s doing that Clockwatch), and you don’t need a Brian Moore earworm to know that there’s plenty up for grabs.
The biggest game is in Seville: Spain v Germany, which will decide who qualifies for next year’s Nations League finals alongside France, Belgium or Denmark and one of Italy, the Netherlands and Poland. Spain have home advantage but Germany have the draw.
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