Nations League Matchweek 1 - Day 2

 After the events of the first day featuring teams from all four groups, the matchweek continued last night with another 8 games that are vital to the team's positions in their respective groups. The games between the Netherlands and Poland and Norway and Austria would have been considered the best games to watch.

 

Lithuania hosted Kazakhstan at the LFF Stadionas for a Group C4 game. Kazakhstan started on the front foot with a 3rd-minute goal only to double their lead late in the game during the 86th minute. Lithuania would have been disappointed with the result since they dominated with possession and shots taken.

Italy hosted Bosnia at the Artemio Franchi stadium, which hosts Serie A side, Florence's games. Roma ace striker dealt with the first blow by getting the first goal of the game during the 57th minute to give Bosnia the lead. Italy replied 10 minutes later when Lorenzo Insigne assisted the goal to Stefano Sensi to level the game up. The game ended 1-1.

Northern Ireland travelled to Romania for their Group B1 clash against them. The home team started the scoring during the 25th minute. Northern Ireland fell a man down when Josh Magennis received a second yellow card in the 39th minute. Northern Ireland, however, did find a late goal through a Gavin Whyte goal in the 86th minute.

Scotland hosted a confident Israel side. The home team went ahead with a 45th-minute penalty converted by Ryan Christie. Israel equalised in the 73rd minute to drain all hopes of the three points for Scotland. While Scotland controlled the game with the possession, Israel did manage to get more shots.

Slovakia hosted Czech Republic in an exciting clash. Czech Republic scored first, second and third only for Slovakia to score in the 88th minute to get a consolation goal. Slovakia, though, struggled with fitness as injuries Slovakia manager, Pavel Hapal was forced to make two first-half substitutions.

Belarus hosted Albania for the second C4 group clash of the evening at the Dinamo Stadion, Minsk. Albania scored in the 23rd minute to pile misery on the home team. They further scored in the 78th minute to completely snatch the game away from the home team and take back the 3 points.

The Big Games

Netherlands vs Poland

The strong Dutch side, who previously were runners-up in the same competition, hosted the Polish side at the famous Johan Cruyff Arena. Poland was without captain and Champions League winner, Robert Lewandowski and throughout the game, their lack of finishing flair was visible as they failed to score against their Dutch counterparts. Netherlands too missed a few chances but were fortunate for Tottenham signing, Steven Bergwijn to get them a goal in the 61st minute.

Norway vs Austria

Maybe a few years ago, this game would not have been a big one. But since the spotlight on wonderkid Erling Haaland has shone, its vital to see what he does in every game he plays, this one included. Unfortunately for Norway, who were the home team, Austria took the lead in the 31st minute. RB Leipzig captain Marcel Sbitzer then doubled the visitor's lead in the 54th minute. Erling Haaland did manage to get on the scoresheet in the 65th minute but could do nothing apart from getting that consolation goal.