Football News: All about the Nations League Final Four

Croatia, defending European champions Italy and the Netherlands are the other teams comprising the final four in the 2022 UEFA Nations League. Here is a mention of all we can expect from them in the finals. 

Croatia

Croatia lost the first match 3-0 to Austria, and the team was automatically clubbed alongside other teams expected to crash out of the tournament. 

However, the 2018 FIFA World Cup second-place finisher held France to a 1-1 draw against France, which paved the path for recovery. They won against Denmark 1-0 that only lifted them higher. 

Croatia's third match ended in a 3-1 victory in Austria, and by the end, it was clear that they were advancing further in the Nations League. 

Captain Luka Modric, who mesmerize the crowd with his fresh heroics at 37 years of age, said, "In the end, the win was deserved." The Real Madrid midfielder continued, "I am very happy we are in the top four."  

He is supported by Mateo Kovačić and Marcelo Brozović in the midfield. Croatia now has a high chance of excelling in the tournament's final stages. 

Italy

Italy has suffered a massive setback against North Macedonia in the World Cup play-offs raising doubts about their form. However, Roberto Mancini's side quickly left the past behind and tackled EURO 2020 final opponents England and Germany with relative ease. 

Despite losing 5-2 in Germany on Matchday four, the Italians turned the tables with two consecutive wins in September, thanks to rising star Giacomo Raspadori. 

Italy changed their form from 4-3-3 to 3-5-2 in their last two games, which was a smart call. In the period of preparation before the semi-finals, they will try to capitalise on the kills of midfielder Marco Verratti.

The PSG player is adept at controlling the game's flow, which has caught the eye of fans and players alike. 

The Netherlands

The Dutch side refused to let their guard down as they were the only unbeaten team in League A. They clinched a 4-1 victory against Belgium in their opening match in the tournament. 

They resurfaced from two goals down against Poland, netted two goals during extra time against Wales, and defeated Belgium 1-0 in the last match to book a semi-final spot. 

One could say that they struggled a little, but their squad versatility makes them a strong team that is not easily beaten. 

Players like Memphis Depay and Steven Bergwijn are intense and fast-paced, followed by their central defender, Virgil van Dijk, who is deemed to be the midfield's pillar. 

Spain

The Spaniards faced a disappointing loss against Switzerland the weekend before their glorious walk into the tournament semi-finals. Their only hurdle was their Iberian neighbours, Portugal, who entered the match with similar hopes.

Spain dominated possession and a defensive error in the last few moments of the match allowed Alvaro Morata to net a close-range goal. Now, Spain will enter the previous phase as favourites, but the lack of versatility shown by the team could bite them back.