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Thursday 30 March 2023 Dublin: 13°C

# Nations League

Last year
2022
# zeroin
'It was too strong. It wasn't a word I should have used' - Stephen Kenny in reflective mood
The Ireland manager admits his frustration at how the Nations League ended, as he eyes more clean sheets in Euro 2024 campaign.
# Praise
'He’s 19 but he’s got the body of a 28-year-old' - Rice hails midfield partner
The West Ham star has heaped praise on Jude Bellingham.
# Analysis
How 23 seconds of apathy was catalyst for a fragile Ireland meltdown
Examining the build-up to a reckless two-minute spell that has raised yet more questions about this side.
# Return
Joy at last after 18 turbulent months
Issues with injury and form have kept Robbie Brady out of the Irish side for a lengthy period.
# Stalemate
Scotland stand firm against Ukraine to win Nations League group
The result provided a double boost to Steve Clarke’s side’s hopes of European Championship qualification.
# La Roja
Spain beat Portugal to book Nations League semis spot
La Roja needed to win to finish top of League A Group 2.
# Reaction
Nations League relegation a price worth paying for World Cup - Page
A 1-0 defeat to Poland in Cardiff condemned Wales to finishing bottom of their group.
# Nations League
Wales relegated as sumptuous Lewandowski assist tees up Poland win
Gareth Bale went the closest to an equaliser when his late header struck the crossbar.
# Frustration
Man-of-the-match Molumby rues another Irish near miss
Scotland earned a hard-fought victory over the Boys in Green at Hampden Park.
# Upset
Switzerland stun out-of-sorts Spain
It was Luis Enrique’s side’s first defeat in the group in five games
AS IT HAPPENED
Scotland v Ireland, Nations League
Ireland faced Scotland as they attempted to pick up a second successive win over Steve Clarke’s side.
# Steve Clarke
Scotland's leader - 'It suits him for people to think he's a dry shite or doesn't show emotion'
While some Scotland players have spoken about seeking revenge, manager Steve Clarke is not the type to be blinded by emotion facing Ireland.
# NOTBITING
John Egan brushes off 'incredibly limited' jibe as he eyes another Ireland statement
Dismissive Scottish media criticism is of no concern to the 29-year-old as he prepares for latest audition to take captain’s armband.
# no hassle
'Understandable reaction' - Southgate not worried as English fans boo Italy defeat
The 1-0 defeat at the San Siro left England with no wins from five games in the Nations League.
# out in front
Stunning first-half goal secures win for Hungary over Germany to cement top spot
They now only need a draw in their final match away against Italy to secure pole position.
# Keep It Steady
Napoli striker scores winner against England as Italy keep final-four hopes alive
The European champions are now two points behind League A, Group 3 leaders Hungary.
# Nations League
Mbappe stars as France shrug off troubles, Netherlands and Croatia also win
A round-up of tonight’s action.
# bebrave
'It's a waste of time to work on things and then shy away when you make a mistake'
Josh Cullen calls on Ireland players to stand up and be counted when they face a much-improved Scotland on Saturday.
# Formula
The perfect recipe for Ireland’s attack - ‘Carnage, compromise and quality’
“The manager has to pick on form. Chiedozie Ogbene causes fear in opponents and is one of our bright sparks.”
# closingin
Impressive Scotland cruise past Ukraine to lay down marker for Ireland
Win means Scots just need two draws from final two games to top Nations League group ahead of visit of Stephen Kenny’s men on Saturday.
# Challenges
Boom and bust cycle a harsh reality as Ireland search for consistency
While goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is under the spotlight in the Premier League, Stephen Kenny will be hoping attacking trio can shine this month.
# Gearing Up
Kenny's 'great respect' for Liverpool and new coach search after Eustace exit
Ireland boss shuts down talk of club versus country row with Liverpool as lack of Premier League regulars remains a concern.
# Andy Robertson
Scotland captain Andy Robertson out for Nations League tie with Ireland
Jurgen Klopp expects Liverpool wing-back to miss upcoming international games due to a knee issue.
# Setback
Knee surgery rules Ireland striker Adam Idah out for Armenia and Scotland games
Norwich boss Dean Smith confirmed Idah suffered a setback on his return.
# Taking Over
Stephen Kenny hopes that new Ireland first-team coach will be appointed by next month
The Ireland manager insists there is no ill-will towards John Eustace who left the role.
# talking point
Ireland's man of the match wants more
21-year-old Nathan Collins shone in his side’s draw with Ukraine.
# Reaction
Harry Kane backs Gareth Southgate despite England’s poor run of form
England were thumped 4-0 at home to Hungary.
# Nations League
Depay grabs Dutch thrilling victory over Wales and brilliant Germany defeat Italy
The win in Rotterdam keeps Louis van Gaal’s men three points clear of Belgium.
# Setback
Fans turn on Gareth Southgate as sorry England are hammered at home by Hungary
A 4-0 success was only the second time the visitors had won away against the Three Lions.
AS IT HAPPENED
Ukraine v Ireland, Nations League
Ireland faced Ukraine, as Stephen Kenny’s side aimed to end this international window on a winning note.
# Nations League
Stuart Armstrong scores twice as Scotland hit back to beat Armenia
John McGinn and Che Adams were also on target.
# Result
Modric penalty secures Croatia win as France finish run of Nations League games without win
The World Cup champions are without a victory in four outings.
# Nations League
Spain capitalise on Portuguese slip-up while Haaland downs Norway's neighbours Sweden
Switzerland ended a run of three straight defeats with a 1-0 success over Portugal, who were without Cristiano Ronaldo.
# Answers Needed
Furious Belgium boss Martinez demands explanation from 'really high up' over Wales draw
The sides played out a draw after Brennan Johnson’s late equaliser.
# Analysis
The simple reasons why Ireland finally got it so right against Scotland
Stephen Kenny’s side ended a 12-game winless run in the Nations League.
# Great expectations
'If I really want to become a world-class striker and a top player, it’s got to start now'
Michael Obafemi produced an influential display in Ireland’s win over Scotland.
# Azzurri
Uninspiring England held to goalless draw by Italy
Raheem Sterling wasted the hosts’ best chance of a forgettable match.
AS IT HAPPENED
Ireland v Scotland, Nations League
Ireland faced Scotland as they searched for a first Nations League win.
# Nations League
Mbappe salvages draw for France in Austria, inside-own-half goal helps Andorra to first win
The result leaves France, who won last year’s edition of the Nations League, still without a win three games into the new campaign.
# Setback
Egan set to miss Scotland clash as Kenny reveals defender was due to be captain
Ireland boss to make a number of changes in bid to get first Nations League points on the board in crucial clash on Saturday.