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In the controversial Nations League competition, Germany starts its first game against Italy. It is the start of a series of endurance tests before the World Cup starts for the national team. The most important questions and answers about the Nations League.
After the national leagues is before the Nations League. The third edition of the once controversial competition starts this week – for the German national football team with the game against Italy in Bologna next Saturday (8.45 p.m. / RTL). The DFB selection wants to do a lot better than in previous editions. “If you were relegated, it would not only damage your image, but also sporting damage. We want to avoid that,” said DFB director Oliver Bierhoff.
The Nations League has “gained in importance, in prestige,” said the former international. “Now it will not be a World or European Championship, but a very interesting competition.”
Less than six months before the World Cup, a number of national associations face important endurance tests. “The positive aspect is that we only play against strong teams. They are competitive games,” said Bierhoff before the games in Bologna, in Munich against England, in Budapest against Hungary and in Mönchengladbach again against European champions Italy.
Where can the games be seen?
The German games on Saturday and June 11 in Budapest against Hungary will be broadcast on RTL. The home games in Munich against England (June 7) and in Mönchengladbach against Italy (June 14) will be shown on ZDF, but there is no official confirmation yet. The streaming service DAZN secured the broadcasting rights for games without German participation. Several highlight games can be seen: on Thursday, for example, Spain will meet Portugal, and on Friday Belgium will host the Netherlands. DAZN recently extended the contract with Uefa until 2026.
How does the Nations League work?
It is the third edition of the competition. Portugal won in 2018/2019, France in 2020/2021. All 55 Uefa members take part in the Nations League. In leagues A, B and C, 16 teams each are divided into four groups. In league D there is a group of four and a group of three. In every league and group everyone plays everyone else twice. The four group winners of League A qualify for the Final Four, in which the title holder is determined at the end. The group winners of leagues B, C and D will be promoted to the next higher league in the next edition of the tournament.
The bottom of the groups in leagues A and B are relegated one league each, the bottom of the groups in league C determine the two relegated to league D in extra games. Germany only avoided relegation in the first edition by changing the rules.
What else is it about?
Three of the 24 participants in the EM 2024 will be determined via the Nations League. The twelve teams that did best in the competition and did not make it to the European Championship through the normal qualification play out the remaining starting places in playoffs. Germany is set to host the European Championship.
How established is the competition now?
It was created after several associations complained about the declining status of international friendlies. In many places, however, the Nations League was initially viewed critically, including by the German Football Association (DFB). The prestige duels and their competitive character also give the Nations League an appeal – and it opens a back door to the EM for smaller nations.
How does the competition now fit into the end of the season?
Since the World Cup will not take place until winter this year, Uefa will use the free time in June for four match days. In this form and with this timing, the Nations League comes across as a kind of mini World Cup for many teams – and serves as a welcome dress rehearsal for Qatar for many. “We don’t just want to work through the Nations League,” said Thomas Müller. “We want to be successful, to win these prestige duels. That will be an indicator for the World Cup.”
What’s next after that?
The 5th and 6th matchdays will take place from September 22nd to 27th, the Final Four for the title will take place from June 14th to 18th, 2023. The final round will be held in one of the four nations qualified for it. Belgium, Poland, the Netherlands and Wales have indicated their interest in hosting the 2022/2023 Nations League finals. As they all play in Group A4, this season’s winner should also become the host of the finals.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
