UEFA Nations League matchday 2: 3 takeaways – Ronaldo makes history

The UEFA Nations League, after just two matchdays, has seen Spain, France and Italy dominate the field, while Germany and the Netherlands remain sluggish.

The UEFA Nations League’s group stage is now one-third complete as the tournament returns next month with two more matchdays that could very well decide which teams in League A advance to the semifinals.

Matchday 2 was highlighted by Spain’s 4-0 rout of Ukraine on Sunday, taking over command of Group 4 after Germany could only muster a 1-1 draw versus Switzerland.

Labor Day featured the highly-anticipated matchup between the Netherlands and Italy, the favorites to advance out of Group 1 after both nations failed to qualify for the World Cup just two years ago. In the end, a resilient Italy recorded the 1-0 win to temporarily top Group 1 heading into October’s two matchdays.

In Group 3, the 2018 World Cup final rematch played Tuesday between France and Croatia was highlighted by the absence of Kylian Mbappe. The French star also tested positive for COVID-19 on the eve of the match, joining six other PSG players to have contracted the virus in recent days. France won the game 4-2, the same scoreline as the final in Moscow.

Here are three takeaways from matchday 2.

Spain discovers a new star

Spain leads Group 1 with four points after demolishing Ukraine, as Germany drops to third place after remaining winless. While Spain’s veteran core is known for its success, its young players are also shining through early on in the competition.

Spain’s youngest-ever scorer, 17-year-old Barcelona striker Ansu Fati, tallied against Ukraine, prompting the budding star to say, “The truth is that it is a point of pride to work with [Spain coach] Luis [Enrique] and these players, who have received me with open arms. I will keep working, stay humble and let things come my way.”

Italy regains their form

Italy took control of Group 1 in the only way they know-how — with a strong defense and creating scoring opportunities with a quick counterattack. While coach Roberto Mancini should be worried that striker Ciro Immobile has yet to score a goal in the Nations League, their 1-0 win against the Dutch was a positive sign.

The Italians were led by hard-nosed defender Giorgio Chiellini and a back four that thwarted every Dutch scoring threat. In the midfield, the speedy Jorginho was the lynchpin, providing balls for Lorenzo Insigne and Immobile. He remains the team’s best player at this point of the competition.

Haaland puts on a show and Ronaldo makes history

Over in League B, several teams put on smashing displays. But Norway’s Erling Haaland takes the prize for his pair of spectacular goals on Monday as his side downed fellow Group 1 side Northern Ireland 5-1.

In doing so, Haaland drew comparisons to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. His goals come following a wonderful season at Borussia Dortmund, where he came out of nowhere to finish sixth overall on the scoring charts with 13 tallies. He’s currently the Nations League’s top scorer with three goals.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, scored the 100th international goal of his career, and his 101st, as his brace lifted Group 3 leaders Portugal to a 2-0 win against Sweden.