Potential coaching changes, player injuries, surprise underdog victories, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued brilliance took center stage as international soccer returned to Europe with the Nations League matches.
Ronaldo, at almost 40 years old, silenced doubters with standout performances for Portugal, scoring against both Croatia and Scotland, setting a men’s-record tally of 132 international goals and proving his enduring value to the national team.
Lee Carsley, the interim coach for England, impressed with tactically astute decisions leading England to victories over Ireland and Finland. Carsley’s unassuming style and success on the field may see him as a candidate for the permanent coaching position.
Georgia, a standout at Euro 2024, continued their success in the Nations League with victories over the Czech Republic and Albania. The team, led by players like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Giorgi Mamardashvili, aims for promotion to the elite level after rising from the lowest-ranked fourth tier.
Coaches like Belgium’s Domenico Tedesco and France’s Didier Deschamps faced criticism following disappointing results at Euro 2024. Scotland’s struggles under coach Steve Clarke, including late defeats against Poland and Portugal, have heightened pressure on the team.
Injuries hit top English clubs Arsenal and Manchester City hard during the international break. Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard suffered an ankle injury while playing for Norway, impacting the club’s upcoming fixtures. Manchester City’s Nathan Ake sustained a serious muscle injury while playing for the Netherlands, adding to the team’s injury concerns.
The return of international football brought a mix of drama, standout performances, and challenges for various teams and players, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
