
<p>Real Madrid and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/france-national-team-tv-schedule/">France</a> midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has called for changes in the FIFA schedule as he thinks there are too many games each season. Tchouameni made the plea during a press conference on Thursday while on international duty.</p>



<p>“Obviously we play too many matches,” the Frenchman <a href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Le-coup-de-gueule-de-tchouameni-sur-l-augmentation-des-matches-les-instances-doivent-faire-quelque-chose/1424963" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> reporters. “This is no surprise to anyone. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> matches used to be every two weeks, they were the only times when we had two matches in a week. It almost doesn’t happen anymore.”</p>



<p>“The authorities must do something. We should, at some point, do something as a player too. Playing 80 matches [per year] is not possible. We are not necessarily asked for our opinion. After a while, if we are all against it, we have to talk to each other because together we have strength.”</p>



<h5>FIFA president asked for even more games</h5>



<p>Tchouameni featured in 50 total matches during the 2022/23 campaign with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a>. This, however, does not include international fixtures with France. In all, the 23-year-old midfielder played 67 total competitive games between June of 2022 and June of this year.</p>



<p>The Frenchman is not an outlier in the situation. Many players and coaches have expressed their concern with the recent increase in fixtures. Nevertheless, FIFA president Gianni Infantino <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/infantino-wins-fifa-reelection-and-eyes-salary-cap-more-games-20230316-WST-423493.html">proclaimed</a> back in March that there are not enough games being played in “most parts of the world.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Real Madrid and France phenom Aurelien Tchouameni believes players are worked too hard in football these days. 😮‍💨 <a href="https://t.co/0FFGWY6Esx">pic.twitter.com/0FFGWY6Esx</a></p>— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) <a href="https://twitter.com/CBSSportsGolazo/status/1712859534681579961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h5>Forming of Nations League key aspect of fixture congestion</h5>



<p>Confederations formed the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-nations-league-tv-schedule-and-links/">Nations League</a> to help make relatively meaningless international friendlies a bit more competitive. While this may be true, national team managers are now under pressure to field their best players for the competition. In turn, this forces top players to play more games. It also hurts younger or lower-level players receiving a decent opportunity from their manager.</p>



<p>Creating more fixtures not only puts strain on players but also increases injuries as well. The <a href="https://www.germanjournalsportsmedicine.com/archive/archive-2013/heft-1/playing-too-many-matches-is-negative-for-both-performance-and-player-availability-results-from-the-on-going-uefa-injury-study/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">German Journal of Sports Medicine</a> previously conducted a study on soccer player performances and injuries. The study found that players tend to underperform and suffer more injuries with a congested schedule. This particular research finished before the introduction of the Nations League.</p>



<p>Despite the concern from players, organizers will not make any serious adjustments to the current schedule. UEFA, in particular, has <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/279063/uefa-revenue-breakdown/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recorded</a> increased revenues since the introduction of the Nations League.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / NurPhoto</em></p>


Real Madrid star calls on 'authorities' to reduce number of games

Real Madrid and France midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has become the latest star soccer player to ask FIFA organizers for a break in games.


<p>Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal is expected to feature in the upcoming Spain National Team squad. At the age of 16, Yamal would be the youngest player to play for the Spanish national team. Yamal’s current <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/barcelona-tv-schedule/">Barcelona</a> teammate Gavi currently holds that record. He first represented <em>La Roja</em> at the age of 17 in the UEFA Nations League Finals. </p>



<p>According to <em><a href="https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/lamine-yamal-elegido-seleccion-91428335" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sport</a></em>, Luis de la Fuente has communicated with Yamal’s family that he will be on the squad for the Nations League games in September. This ensures the talent will represent Spain at the international level. He also had the option of playing for Morocco, the country his father hails from. Yamal spent his international youth career in the Spanish ranks. Now, he will be on the squad when Spain plays against Georgia and Cyprus.</p>



<p>Lamine Yamal has broken out in the early stages of the 2023/24 campaign. In addition to making his senior debut with Barcelona, Yamal has had stellar performances. In the Joan Gamper Trophy friendly against Tottenham, Yamal put out a performance that drew heavy praise regardless of age. Then, in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/barcelona-down-villareal-in-seven-goal-thriller-20230827-WST-452347.html">Barcelona’s dramatic win at Villarreal</a> this weekend, home supporters gave the away talent a standing ovation when Barcelona subbed him off. </p>



<p>This summer, Yamal impressed with the Spanish side at the U-17 European Championship. He scored four goals, including a goal in the quarterfinal and semifinal, where Spain lost to France.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="‘OUTSTANDING!’ How impressive is Barcelona’s 16-year-old talent Lamine Yamal? | LaLiga | ESPN FC" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xGJ4MIH2yU?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<h2>Lamine Yamal impresses enough to get to the Spain squad</h2>



<p>There is a serious argument over whether Yamal is Barcelona’s most important player. Raphinha’s red card suspension has opened the door for the 16-year-old to be a key player in the Barcelona ranks. He hit the woodwork three times in the game against Villarreal, which shows that he is close to making an impact on the scoreline, too. He did provide an assist in that Villarreal game, which made him the <a href="https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/news/3655761/lamine-yamal-a-diamond-in-the-making" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">youngest player this century</a> to provide an assist in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a>. </p>



<p>The national team would be the next step in a blossoming career. He would earn valuable experience from a Spanish side that is full of young talent, much of which plays for Barcelona in Pedri, Gavi and Alex Balde. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO &amp; NurPhoto</em></p>


Barcelona's Lamine Yamal to feature on Spain squad at 16 years old

Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal is expected to feature in the upcoming Spain National Team squad for the UEFA Nations League.


<p>Spain held their nerves to beat Croatia 5-4 on penalties to win the UEFA Nations League after both sides had played out a goalless stalemate at the end of extra time. Unai Simon was the hero for the La Roja as he saved twice in the shootout before Dani Carvajal scored the winning penalty.</p>



<p>Neither side could dominate proceedings in the opening half with Croatia settling early into the game. With Luka Modric and Marcelo Brozovic pulling the strings in midfield, Croatia passed the ball with ease but couldn’t create any clear-cut opportunities. Josip Juranovic had two chances early on in the second half but the Union Berlin right-back was first denied by Simon and then failed to keep his shot on target just minutes later.</p>



<h2>Spain Croatia Nations League Final ends in draw after AET</h2>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SPAIN HAVE WON THE 2023 NATIONS LEAGUE 🇪🇸 <a href="https://t.co/TTpjlVOXQw">pic.twitter.com/TTpjlVOXQw</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1670544443504488448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Both coaches made changes from the bench to influence the game and it was Spain who certainly looked sharper of the two sides heading towards the end of ninety minutes. Ansu Fati had a glorious opportunity to give Spain the lead in the 84<sup>th</sup> minute but the Barcelona striker’s goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Ivan Perisic to keep the score goalless.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Croatia lose their 2nd final in country history 😓<br><br>If that turns out to be Luka Modric&apos;s last competitive match for Croatia, what a ride it’s been 👏 <a href="https://t.co/W2pl2YTyxk">pic.twitter.com/W2pl2YTyxk</a></p>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1670545103184601088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>Dani Olmo then spurned another opportunity at the end of the first half of extra time. After a superb build-up play from Spain, the RB Leipzig midfielder blazed over from inside the box while substitute striker Joselu was unmarked and could have had a tap-in from close range.</p>



<p>With Croatia offering hardly anything in the second half of extra time, the game went to penalties. Simon did brilliantly to save Lovro Majer’s effort but Aymeric Laporte struck his spot kick against the crossbar to keep Croatia in the tie. Simon once again denied Bruno Petkovic with a brilliant save before Carvajal kept his calm to score with a panenka to hand Spain the title.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Croatia vs. Spain Highlights | UEFA Nations League Final" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G6MJHEQWewA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
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<p><em>Photo: IMAGO / Pixsell</em></p>


The 2022/23 Spain Croatia Nations League Final ended with a drab game played in Netherlands. Spain won on penalty kicks.

Spain beat Croatia in penalties to win Nations League - World Soccer Talk

Spain beat Croatia in penalties to win Nations League


<p>Croatia completed a second-half comeback against the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/netherlands-national-team-tv-schedule/">Netherlands</a> to secure a place in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-nations-league-tv-schedule-and-links/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023 Nations League Final</a>. The Dutch side took a lead into halftime at home and then added a late equalizer, but would eventually fall in extra time. Croatian captain Luka Modric scored a late penalty to secure the 4-2 victory for the team.</p>



<p>The match in Rotterdam started slowly, as neither goalkeeper had much to do in the opening 20 minutes. There was officially only one total combined shot taken during this timeframe. Midfielder Mats Wieffer, making his only second career appearance for the Dutch, had an early shot blocked by a defender. Xavi Simons created the best chance in the opening part of the first half, but Dominik Livaković collected the cross before it could do damage.</p>



<h5>Dutch team takes lead after slow start</h5>



<p>Nevertheless, the match picked up the pace and the Netherlands grabbed the lead in the 34th minute. After some slick passing by the Dutch, Wieffer found a wide-open Donyell Malen inside the box. The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/borussia-dortmund-tv-schedule/">Borussia Dortmund</a> forward then struck an angled shot passed Livaković’s far side and into the back of the net. It was Malen’s first international goal since October 2021.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DONYELL MALEN GIVES THE DUTCH THE 1-0 LEAD OVER CROATIA! 🇳🇱 <a href="https://t.co/eSum2RCo8t">pic.twitter.com/eSum2RCo8t</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1669062625919918081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h5>Back-and-forth second half needs extra time</h5>



<p>With the match seemingly under control, the Dutch gave away a silly penalty kick out of practically nothing. Forward Cody Gakpo grabbed and pulled down veteran midfielder Luka Modric inside the box in the 54th minute. The match referee pointed to the spot right away. Croatian forward Andrej Kramaric then calmly placed the ball straight down the middle passed a diving Justin Bijlow.</p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/croatia-national-team-tv-schedule/">Croatia</a> then took the lead over the Netherlands less than 20 minutes later. The team known for second-half surges grabbed the goal as both wide attackers linked up. Luka Ivanušec picked up the ball out on the left side and sent a low cross towards the middle of the box. Mario Pašalić latched on to the pass and neatly placed a shot into the net from close range.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🇭🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/HNS_CFF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HNS_CFF</a> comes from behind and takes the lead! 😤 <a href="https://t.co/lZsjgDjanb">pic.twitter.com/lZsjgDjanb</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1669076510357979138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>The Netherlands would, however, grab a late shocking goal in the 96th minute to tie the match with just 15 seconds left of stoppage time. After chaos inside the Croatian box, second-half substitute Noa Lang placed a shot over the keeper and into the roof of the net. Croatia had opted to fall back and defend, but the move would ultimately not work out. </p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">NOA LANG WITH THE LATE DRAMA IN ROTTERDAM! 🤯🇳🇱 <a href="https://t.co/WfRWrcemea">pic.twitter.com/WfRWrcemea</a></p>— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1669082812622815232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Croatia through to Nations League Finals</h2>



<p>With the game going to extra time, Croatia took the lead back just eight minutes into the period. The goal essentially came during a lull in the match. Bruno Petkovic hit <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1669086561537802240" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a gorgeous long-range strike</a> from outside of the box to put his team back in front. The midfielder used pace and placement to put the ball passed Bijlow in goal.</p>



<p>Modric added another goal for Croatia when he converted a penalty in the 117th minute of the match. It was his 24th international goal in his 165th total appearance for the team. Croatia will now play the winner of Italy and Spain in the 2023 Nations League Final on Sunday, June 18th.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / ANP</em></p>


Croatia beat the Netherlands 4-2 on Wednesday to secure a spot in the UEFA Nations League Final on Sunday evening.

Croatia books place in Nations League Final with comeback win


<p>The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-nations-league-tv-schedule-and-links/">UEFA Nations League</a> semi-final matchups were announced on Wednesday.  <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/netherlands-national-team-tv-schedule/">Netherlands</a> have been drawn against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/croatia-national-team-tv-schedule/">Croatia</a> in the first fixture, while <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/spain-national-team-tv-schedule/">Spain</a> face <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/italy-national-team-tv-schedule/">Italy</a> in the other semi-final game. Both matches will be played in June.</p>



<p>The Nations League semis will not include a two-legged affair. Instead, the Netherlands and Spain are set to host the two matches and the winners will advance straight to the final on June 18th. There will also be a third place playoff for the losing semi-final teams as well.</p>



<h5>Koeman looking forward to Croatia matchup</h5>



<p>Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman was asked about his future opponents following the draw. “It’s always tough against Croatia,” <a href="https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/news/027d-172736c70ec8-7f5c6ad5534e-1000--nations-league-finals-draw-netherlands-vs-croatia-spain-vs-/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> Koeman. “It would’ve been just as tough against Spain and against Italy, but we’re looking forward to it because we know Croatia are a really strong team and we need to be at our best to reach the final.”</p>



<p>He also acknowledged Croatia’s solid midfield, but heaped praise on the entire squad. “It’s the whole team,” continued Koeman. “Of course, we know the midfield with players like [Luka] Modric. They’re playing at a high level. They’re still in a good way physically and it’s also about the intensity of the team.” </p>



<p>Croatia and the Netherlands have faced off only twice before, with both teams winning one game. The Orange previously collected a victory in a friendly match in 2008, but Croatia won a 1998 World Cup game as well. </p>



<h5>Spain and Italy have long history</h5>



<p>On the other side, Spain and Italy are very familiar with each other. The two European powerhouses have met 39 total times. Spain takes a slight advantage in the win department with 12 victories compared to Italy’s 11. The first matchup between the two teams was 99 years ago.</p>



<p>Both semifinal games will be broadcasted on FOX Sports and fuboTV here in the States.</p>



<h2>UEFA Nations League Semi-Final Draw</h2>



<h5>June 14</h5>



<p>Netherlands vs. Croatia in Rotterdam</p>



<h5>June 15</h5>



<p>Spain vs. Italy in Enschede</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Pressinphoto</em></p>


The UEFA Nations League semi-final draw was revealed on Wednesday. The four teams are set to play for a spot in the final in June.

Draw for UEFA Nations League semi-finals revealed - World Soccer Talk

Draw for UEFA Nations League semi-finals revealed


<p>The United States Men’s National Team fizzled out its World Cup run at the hands of the Netherlands. The Dutch side may have had less possession and less shot attempts. However, it still looked far stronger than their American opposition. </p>



<p>A credit to the Dutch, Louis van Gaal came out and said the United States did not <a href="https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11499567/Louis-van-Gaal-says-USMNT-didnt-adapt-adjust-Hollands-tactics-targeting-wide-areas.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adapt or adjust</a>. Gregg Berhalter stuck to the same formula offensively and defensively with his young unit. And, despite a number of players plying their trade in Europe, Berhalter added he did not have a ‘Memphis Depay’ at his disposal. Memphis scored the opening goal, and Daley Blind mirrored his goal just before halftime.</p>



<p>It was always going to be a tough task to top the <em>Oranje</em>. Memphis Depay is a top talent when on his game. Virgil van Dijk remains one of the best defenders in the world. Frenkie de Jong is a gamechanger in the midfield for both club and country. </p>



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<p>Still, the elimination from the World Cup showed something else. It showed the necessity for the United States to play in elite competition. </p>



<p>That could be a USMNT entry into the UEFA Nations League or Copa America, as it has done on several occasions in the past. The opportunity for growth and experience is pivotal if this team wants to achieve its dreams of success it laid out.</p>



<h5>A need for top experience</h5>



<p>Mexico and Canada are good teams. Costa Rica is aging, but certainly provided a challenge to the United States over the last decade or so. Constant opposition against these CONCACAF sides did well to prop the United States into the best team in the continent. That is, at least, looking at the Gold Cup and CONCACAF Nations League.</p>



<p>What it did not do, however, is prepare the United States for significant and meaningful games against teams rife with world class talent. Whereas the Netherlands had ‘warmup’ games in the Nations League against Belgium, Poland and Wales, all World Cup teams, the United States played Nations League games in June against Grenada and El Salvador. Those two countries have a combined two World Cup appearances, and none in the last 40 years. </p>



<p>The Netherlands, in addition to being talented both on and off the field, must adapt to play different play styles with those opposition. Belgium, Poland and Wales are different teams that have players that can match up against the Dutch. For the United States, its talent simply outmatch both Grenada and El Salvador. That being said, Berhalter’s squad only drew with El Salvador, 1-1, with Jordan Morris salvaging a point in stoppage time. </p>



<h2>A USMNT appearance in the UEFA Nations League</h2>



<p>It may seem like a far-fetched idea to jump from CONCACAF to UEFA for the Nations League. To be fair, there has been no intercontinental jumping for the Nations League. The closest anything is to this outside of friendlies is the Finalissima, most recently contested between the Copa America winner, Argentina, and Euro 2020 champions Italy. </p>



<p>However, teams from South America may soon compete in the UEFA Nations League much for the same reason that the USA should. All 10 teams from CONMEBOL are considering <a href="https:\/\/www.skysports.com/football/news/12010/12498440/uefa-nations-league-south-american-teams-set-to-join-in-2024-after-talks-between-uefa-and-conmebol" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">joining the UEFA Nations League</a> from 2024 and on. To fit them in, the top-six teams in the World Cup Qualifying table would join League A, the top division. That means Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Peru and Colombia join League A. The other four teams would join League B.</p>



<p>All of the games would happen in Europe to limit the traveling required to South America.</p>



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<p>The reason CONMEBOL linked with UEFA is to present direct competition to <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/breaking-down-a-potential-biennial-world-cup-with-simon-evans-20211223-CMS-363295.html">FIFA’s plans for a biennial World Cup</a>. However, it also provides more interplay and practice between elite teams. Argentina and Brazil are surefire contenders at each World Cup. Yet, this gives teams like Ecuador, Peru or Chile more play against top European opposition on a regular basis.</p>



<h5>How the USMNT can fit in with top teams</h5>



<p>Just as we saw in the World Cup for USA versus Iran, the USMNT fielded a lineup that was all European-based for the first time in its history.</p>



<p>Having the vast majority of USMNT players play in Europe means that it makes more sense to have the national team play competitive games in Europe than the United States or South America. It’s less travel for the players, and it provides the United States with tough away tests against European competition.</p>



<p>We’ve seen how competitive the European teams get in the UEFA Nations League.</p>



<p>Plus looking at the last four World Cup tournaments, the winners have all been European teams. Facing European competition would be a sterner test for the United States. That experience is valuable.</p>



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hearing that there are no MLS players in the USMNT 🇺🇸 line up today…</p>— 🇺🇸Tactical Manager🇧🇷 (@ManagerTactical) <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/ManagerTactical/status/1597640909478588416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2022</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https:\/\/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p>Logistically speaking, it may be a stretch to see the USMNT compete in the UEFA Nations League. That being said, the inclusion of South American teams provides precedent. The unfortunate case for the United States is the missed opportunity to make a North and South American Nations League. Competing against Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador and Uruguay would go a long way for the experience of an increasingly young USMNT side. </p>



<p>However, there is still a chance to compete in the Copa America, a South American tournament that often sends invitations to other teams. The United States played in four Copa America tournaments since 1993. In two of those, it got knocked out in the group stage. In the other two, it actually reached the semifinals, losing to Argentina and Brazil.</p>



<p>Moreover, it hosted the 2016 tournament when it lost to Argentina. The United States played Colombia, Costa Rica and Paraguay in the group stage, winning two and losing one. Then, the Stars and Stripes defeated Ecuador in the quarterfinals. The 2016 tournament was the only instance of the Copa America <em>not </em>happening in a CONMEBOL country.</p>



<p>Grant Wahl, a reporter covering the USMNT, says the United States “<a href="https:\/\/www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/usmnt-world-cup-mailbag-gregg-berhalter-fallout-a-plea-for-usa-in-copa-america-2026-expectations-more/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">absolutely has to play</a>” in the 2024 Copa America. Wahl even went so far as to say it should look into hosting the tournament. Wahl added that Ecuador, the intended host, lost interest in hosting the 2024 Copa America. It could set up an opportunity for the 2026 host cities.</p>



<p>On that topic, the 2026 World Cup means no World Cup qualifying games. Those were the best competitive games this batch of USMNT players had, as is the case for many teams. For example, Qatar did not play competitive games in the build up to hosting the World Cup. It is the first host nation to not pick up a point in the group stage, and just the second to not reach the knockout stage.</p>



<h5>Competitive games</h5>



<p>Whether those competitive games come from the Copa America or UEFA Nations League, they are paramount for the USMNT. Come 2026, expectations for the current squad will be higher. Not only will fans expect better quality, they will expect a better tournament. </p>



<p>If Gregg Berhalter remains the manager through then, he needs to try different tactics and player selections against top sides. He got it wrong against the Netherlands, but he will not be allowed to get it wrong as one of the three host nations. </p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Colorsport</em></p>


The USMNT crashed out of the World Cup due to a lack of experience, experience that can be earned through the UEFA Nations League or similar.

USMNT needs to play UEFA Nations League, not Copa America

destacadas

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p>About 100 people stormed and started a brawl at a London pub prior to the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/england-national-team-tv-schedule/">England</a> and <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/nations/germany-national-team-tv-schedule/">Germany</a> match on Monday, according to Metropolitan Police. Although some of the group donned England gear, it is suspected that the attackers were German fans.</p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".14z7dsepxes.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-10"><span data-reactid=".14z7dsepxes.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-10.0">“At 17:50 on Monday, 26 September, a group of approximately 100 males, many wearing masks, approached a pub in Dagmar Avenue, Wembley through an alley leading towards the car park,” <a href="https:\/\/www.bbc.com/sport/football/63044368" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read</a> a police statement on the ordeal.</span></p>
<p class="" data-reactid=".14z7dsepxes.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-11"><span data-reactid=".14z7dsepxes.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-11.0">“While a number of the group were wearing England hats and scarves, it is believed they were German ‘fans,&apos;” the statement continued. “</span><span data-reactid=".14z7dsepxes.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-12.0">The group entered the beer garden of the pub and began assaulting customers, most of whom were in the area to attend the England vs Germany match. Punches and projectiles including traffic cones were thrown.”</span></p>
<p data-reactid=".14z7dsepxes.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-11">“Officers responded and the group fled. The disorder lasted for around two minutes.”</p>
<h3 data-reactid=".14z7dsepxes.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-11">A brawl prior to England hosted Germany</h3>
<p data-reactid=".14z7dsepxes.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-11">The <a href="https:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11252103/Moment-100-German-hooligans-armed-machetes-storm-family-pub-ahead-Wembley-match.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail</a> has suggested that a portion of the attackers even wielded machetes and brass knuckles. Police did not confirm this report, but did say that there were obviously multiple injuries at the scene. Three pub patrons suffered fairly severe injuries to their extremities. Others were treated for facial wounds, but it does not appear that there were any life-threatening incidents. The total number of accounted injuries is five patrons.</p>
<p data-reactid=".14z7dsepxes.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-11">Despite the amount of people involved in the fight, there were only four arrests made in the area.</p>
<p data-reactid=".14z7dsepxes.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-11">The pub in question is apparently regularly frequented by families. The Green Man is located less than a mile from Wembley Stadium, where the match was played. <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/09/22/england-wales-report-soccer-related-crime-up-nearly-60/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reports</a> surfaced just last week that soccer-related crime is up nearly 60% in England and Wales. Though this particular incident did not occur inside a stadium, violence is a worrying trend at soccer functions.</p>
<p data-reactid=".14z7dsepxes.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-11">England and Germany played out to <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/09/26/england-draws-with-germany-but-concerns-loom-before-world-cup/">a thrilling 3-3 draw</a> in the game. The Germans went out to a 2-0 lead into the second half before Gareth Southgate’s team scored three consecutive goals. Kai Havertz, however, netted in the 87th minute to share the points.</p>
<p data-reactid=".14z7dsepxes.0.0.0.1.$paragraph-11"><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Matthias Koch</em></p>


Prior to the contest between England and Germany on Monday, a brawl broke out at a pub, with German fans as the primary suspects.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "UEFA Nations League" - Page 2

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