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MATCHDAY: Germany needs draw against Spain to advance

Posted November 16, 2020 6:00 am

By The Associated Press

Germany's Timo Werner, centre, celebrates with teammates Serge Gnabry, left, and Matthias Ginter, right, after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Germany and the Ukraine at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) The Associated Press

A look at what's happening around European soccer on Tuesday:

SPAIN vs. GERMANY

Germany needs only a draw against Spain in their final Nations League Group 4 game to be sure of finishing top. However, Joachim LÃ¶w's side is still not the finished article and could be in for a rude surprise. LÃ¶w has been tinkering with new call-ups and looking for players beyond his established Bayern Munich block but has been frustrated by stagnant play and uninspired performances. The fans' apathy seems to be affecting the players on the pitch. Team manager Oliver Bierhoff said a 'œdark cloud'ť hung over the German team and only convincing performances could win back fans' trust. The focus is on preparing for the postponed European Championship next year, with Germany looking far from capable of winning it. Leon Goretzka's driving force carried Germany to a 3-1 win over coronavirus-weakened Ukraine on Saturday, but it was another lackluster showing. Spain was held to a surprise 1-1 draw with Switzerland, and captain Sergio Ramos will be keen to atone for missing two penalties in that game when he leads his team out in his hometown Seville.

CROATIA vs. PORTUGAL

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal is out of contention in Group 3 after losing to France 1-0 at home, while Croatia is in danger of being demoted if it doesn't get a good result against the defending champions. Ronaldo is seven goals shy of the men's national team record held by former Iran striker Ali Daei with his 109.

FRANCE vs. SWEDEN

Already qualified for next year's Final Four following its 1-0 win at Portugal, France will likely continue to rotate after coach Didier Deschamps started 21 different players over the past two matches. The reigning world champion will be without the suspended N'Golo Kante while PSG striker Kylian Mbappe is expected to return. After beating Croatia 2-1, Sweden will be looking for a second consecutive win in its bid to avoid relegation from the Nations League top tier.

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Germany's Serge Gnabry, left, and Ukraine's Ilya Zabarnyi battle for the ball during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Germany and the Ukraine at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) The Associated Press

Spain's Sergio Ramos, center, shoots a penalty during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Switzerland and Spain at the St. Jakob-Park stadium in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday Nov. 14, 2020. Ramos' shot was blocked by Switzerland's goalkeeper, Yann Sommer. (Alessandro della Valle/Keystone via AP) The Associated Press

Switzerland's goalkeeper Yann Sommer, center, cheers after holding a penalty during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Switzerland and Spain at the St. Jakob-Park stadium in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday Nov. 14, 2020. (Georgios Kefalas/Keystone via AP) The Associated Press

Spain's Koke, from left, Sergio Canales, and Sergio Ramos, cheer after the 1:1 score, during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Switzerland and Spain at the St. Jakob-Park stadium in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday Nov. 14, 2020. (Georgios Kefalas/Keystone via AP) The Associated Press

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