The new season of the UEFA Nations League has been inciting some mixed responses. UEFA and FIFA’s bid to make international matches more competitive and worthy. For the most part, the concept has been working well.
However, the Nations League was met with criticism from one of its stars, Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian maestro called the matches “glorified friendlies,” a feeling that has met varied responses.
🗣Kevin de Bruyne,
“The Nations League is unimportant in my eyes. Just glorified friendlies after a long and tough season. I am not looking forward to it.”
😬😬😬 pic.twitter.com/zKDOyhW2nS
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) May 30, 2022
John Stones went the other way, heralding them as great chances to represent your country. On the other hand, Luka Modric and Jurgen Klopp have sided with De Bruyne’s path.
Indeed, the seasons are getting tougher and tougher for players. Nevertheless, calling the Nations League “friendlies” is a bit of a stretch. There is promotion and relegation, along with the big trophy of course.
Drama from the very beginning at @EURO2024 #NationsLeague #nationsleague2022 pic.twitter.com/CNZ3tHwKi6
— FootTheBall FC (@FootTheBallFC) June 5, 2022
The first round of fixtures for the current edition has produced some massive surprises, with none of the top-six European nations winning. Therefore, there is merit to the whole concept of Nations League, especially with the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar approaching.
No such thing as friendly
For years, there had been questions regarding the whole idea of international friendlies. Of course it is important to gel with the national teammates. However, the results had no bearing on a nation’s ranking.
Read also: How the quest for money took the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia
In other words, there was nothing to play for, the end objective was just bragging rights. Sports need something at the end of it. Therefore, the solution was to launch the UEFA Nations League, which would function with groups divided on the basis of rankings.
🗣 “We want to compete against the best in Europe.”
Wales boss Rob Page has praised the UEFA Nations League and how it has been good for his side. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/vhmWRX5Ts4
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) June 7, 2022
The tournament was a major success when it began in 2018, with much fanfare and competitive gameplay….
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