The Red Devils will play two play-off matches in March to remain in League A of the Nations League. Against whom? When ? We take stock for you!
Beaten by Israel on Sunday, the Red Devils sadly ended their journey in the Nations League. Our national team still ensured they finished third in their group, which means they will have to play a play-off match in March. And it won’t be easy, whatever happens between now and then!
Big pieces in front?
Before talking about the schedule, let’s take a look at the potential opponents of the Red Devils. Belgium will face a team that finished second in their group in League B. Two teams are therefore already confirmed, namely Austria and Greece. Austria could be a difficult opponent, led by a certain Ralf Rangnick, who has helped the team progress in recent months. During the Euro 2024 qualifiers, the Belgians won 2-3 in Austria, after being hung at home.
Greece, for its part, would be an adversary perhaps a little more affordable. At least on paper. Because these Greeks, precisely, finished behind England, but they won 1-2 on the Three Lions pitch last October. It would also be a special match for Konstantinos Karetsas, who is still hesitating between the two nations for his international future and who plays for the Belgian U21s.
The other two potential opponents will be known this evening. These will be Wales, Iceland, Georgia, Albania, Ukraine, the Czech Republic or Turkey. Very different styles, but in all cases, duels which do not look easy for our national team.
Two matches in March
The draw for the play-offs will take place on Friday at midday, just after the draw for the quarter-finals of the competition. The matches will be played back and forth on March 20 and 23, according to UEFA, which will however have to confirm this on Friday. Note that Belgium will therefore not be affected by the start of the qualifying phase for the 2024 World Cup in March, but in September, like those who will play the quarter-finals of the Nations League in elsewhere.
Red Devils Nations League Romelu Lukaku Domenico Tedesco Kevin De Bruyne
