Cristiano Ronaldo, the player from a debate about football greatness – his own and Spain’s in general (see below) – has added to an already unprecedented international career that continues with Portugal throughout improve as developing talent out of Spain now appears poised dominate European club soccer for years. Ronaldo the Great Eight 39 forever young, said: ‘‘When I feel the opposite of adding life to it anymore I will be gone.’’ But his purpose is unmistakably to return for one end: re-winning the Nations League.
Portugal and Spain begin their UEFA Nations League campaigns on Thursday, only two months after meeting in the Euro final. Even though he has won both the 2019 Nations League and Euro 2016 with Portugal, it is Spain who has become the team to beat courtesy of a new era in stars.
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They include 17-year-old Lamine Yamal and Gavi, who is only four years his senior but wasn’t even born when Ronaldo first staked his Euro claim with two goals in the final against Greece back in 2004. Much of Spain’s recent popularity came from their successful stint at Euro 2024, where the younger players were at center stage and provided the depth to complement Morata.
His career has interlocked with the finest generation in Spanish football – who won an unprecedented three straight major titles (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 1012) at Portugal’s expense. There is even the possibility of 41-year-old Ronaldo and Messi potentially playing in their sixth tournament when they do battle for points elsewhere.
Ronaldo, however, was non-committal when asked if he still hopes to play in the World Cup: “I can’t tell you right now,” He said. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was also marred by benching Ronaldo, and after seemingly preventing the end at Euro 2024 with a real goal drought potgerjati for Croatia on Thursday when it comes to adding games is nothing less than the football legend’s legendary status.
As reflected by Ronaldo, “My conscience is always clear so I can go with my head held high. “Cat knows what she does, and what she’s gonna continue to do.”
Nations League: A Trailer of The 2026 World Cup
Not only is the Nations League a competition of real value but it lies at an important stepping stone en route to 2026. Match fixtures are yet to be confirmed, with the European qualifying groups for Qatar 2022 drawn in December and result likely – by FIFA world rankings updated after November’s Nations League group stages – set ‘seedings’ at play.
After the Nations League Final Four next June, top-tier teams will be among those playing only six matches from September to November 2025 during World Cup qualifying. Some will find that path to the World Cup a little shorter, as the bid for an expanded 48-team tournament is expected to give more nations that feeling of belonging in soccer’s biggest event.
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Spain (Europe): Europe remains one of the true theatrical strongholds.
Spain will be looking to defend their EURO 2024 title, while also preparing for the Paris Olympics and having won a home Nations League in 2023. They open their campaign away to Serbia, then go to Switzerland with Denmark also in their group. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will cause problems for any defense throughout the state.
Ageless Veterans Back in Action
Notably, Ronaldo is not the only veteran player that has defied father time. Robert Lewandoski, 36-years-old and Luka Modric – who will turn 39 on Monday – are also to be involved in the Nations League with all three set to cross paths through a group that contains Scotland. They are the legends with a combined 542 caps and 239 goals between them.
France: The Team to Watch
Another team to watch is France who will be led by Kylian Mbappé. Their campaign begins in Paris when they host Italy before traveling to Lyon for a showdown with Belgium. On the other hand, Israel’s games against Italy and Belgium will take place in Hungary as a neutral country since security concerns have not been eliminated.
A New Era, A Different Take
The Nations League is incredibly convoluted – a multi-tiered structure designed to provide teams with competitive games against comparable sides – and has suffered from a lack of clarity. Last week it was announced that a quarterfinal round will be added for the top eight next March along with promotion-relegation playoffs involving 20 teams, which should add an intriguing new wrinkle to proceedings.
As the Nations League continues, footballing eyes around the globe will be watching to see how this intriguing battle between a golden generation and its next-in-line is resolved as far as European football goes.
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