For Switzerland, however, the win over Slovenia was far harder earned than their previous two victories. After going behind early, Yakin’s team needed some time to settle but found the right response before the break.
Switzerland recover from early setback against Slovenia
Switzerland could hardly have made a worse start. Just 88 seconds had been played when their high defensive line was exposed. Aljoša Matko found Zan Vipotnik, who controlled the ball on the edge of the penalty area before turning and finishing accurately into the far corner.
It was also the first goal Switzerland had conceded in this Nations League campaign. They had won their opening two matches against North Macedonia and Scotland 3-0.
Their response to the early setback was impressive. Switzerland gradually took control and equalised in the tenth minute. Following what appeared to be a rehearsed corner routine, Manuel Akanji and Remo Freuler helped work the ball dangerously into the area. Erik Janža got a touch before Jan Oblak failed to deal with it cleanly and the ball ended up in the net for 1-1.
The game then became considerably more difficult. Slovenia defended compactly and physically with a back five, while Switzerland dominated possession and searched for openings in the visitors’ defensive structure. The hosts finished with around 67 per cent of the ball and 13 attempts, but at times struggled to create genuinely clear chances against the low block.
In the 38th minute, however, Switzerland finally found a way through with a flowing move. Ardon Jashari, Freuler and Zeki Amdouni combined quickly through the centre before Dan Ndoye received the ball and made it 2-1.
Switzerland could have put the game beyond doubt earlier after the break. Johan Manzambi and Amdouni were both denied by Oblak, allowing Slovenia to remain in contention until the closing stages. Zan Celar even had an opportunity to equalise in the 90th minute, but Gregor Kobel made the save.
Yakin praised his team’s response afterwards, while also admitting that the win required considerably more effort than their previous matches. Freuler offered a similar assessment, stressing that Switzerland had not produced their best performance despite taking all three points.
With nine points from three matches and an 8-1 goal difference, Switzerland remain firmly in control of their League B group.
Spain win despite major rotation
Spain have also taken maximum points from their opening three matches. Luis de la Fuente made nine changes to his starting line-up against Czechia, but the world and European champions still made an excellent start.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the sixth minute. After exchanging passes with Dani Olmo, the winger cut inside from the right and curled the ball into the far corner. It was already Yamal’s fourth goal of this Nations League campaign.
Rodri doubled Spain’s lead in the 35th minute. Spain controlled proceedings with plenty of possession, but their level dropped noticeably after the break. Jiří Sláma pulled one back in the 69th minute and Czechia appeared to have equalised shortly afterwards, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
The visitors then made life even more difficult for themselves when captain Ladislav Krejčí was sent off for a second booking late on. Mikel Merino sealed the 3-1 victory in the 89th minute.
The statistics broadly reflected Spain’s superiority: 69 per cent possession, 18 shots to five and an xG advantage of 1.99 to 0.49. The second half, however, was not quite as comfortable as those numbers might suggest.
De la Fuente said afterwards that his side had played very well before the break, but admitted the numerous changes later affected their rhythm. With four matches in the space of ten days, managing the players’ workload is also a major consideration. Spain have nine points from three games and lead the group ahead of England.
The most spectacular result of the evening, however, came from England. The Three Lions recorded a historic 7-0 away victory over Croatia in Rijeka, inflicting the heaviest defeat in the 2022 World Cup bronze medallists’ international history. We have already covered England’s emphatic win in detail in a separate article.
Scotland claim first win behind group leaders Switzerland
In the other match in Switzerland’s group, Scotland secured a 2-0 away victory over North Macedonia. Kieron Bowie scored his first international goal early on, before John McGinn added a penalty after the break. It was also a special evening for captain Andy Robertson, with the Liverpool FC defender earning his 100th cap.
In League C, Finland beat Albania 2-1, with Leo Walta scoring both goals to take his Nations League tally to four. Belarus cruised to a 4-0 victory over San Marino, Estonia defeated Luxembourg 1-0 and Iceland recorded a comfortable 3-0 win against Bulgaria.
Austria look to strengthen their grip on top spot in Kosovo
Austria are also back in Nations League action on Sunday. Ralf Rangnick’s side travel to Kosovo for an 18:00 CEST kick-off and lead Group B3 with seven points after two victories and a 2-2 draw in Ireland. Kosovo sit second on four points.
Austria won the reverse fixture 3-1, but Rangnick is expecting a significantly tougher challenge in Pristina. The condition of the pitch has also been a concern for the Austria coach. Despite their strong position, Austria have no intention of playing for a draw and will look to take another major step towards promotion.
Rangnick is likely to rotate again given the demanding schedule. Austria are particularly short of options in the double pivot, while Xaver Schlager and Nicolas Seiwald have already carried a heavy workload in recent matches.
Germany under pressure in Greece
The pressure is somewhat greater on Germany. Jürgen Klopp’s side face Greece again in Thessaloniki at 20:45 CEST. Germany lost the first meeting 1-0 before finally recording their first victory under Klopp with an impressive 2-0 win over Serbia on Thursday.
Greece lead the group with seven points, ahead of the Netherlands on five and Germany on four. Another failure to win would make the battle for the top two places considerably more difficult for the DFB team.
Klopp will therefore want his side to build on the performance against Serbia, when Germany impressed particularly with their aggressive counter-pressing and high intensity. At the same time, they face a Greek side that showed again in the 2-2 draw with the Netherlands how dangerous they can be when breaking from a compact defensive block.
Elsewhere, the Netherlands host Serbia. In Group A4, Portugal will be looking for a fourth win from four against Norway, while Wales face Denmark.
