Germany only in second-rate football? This scenario was averted again in the Nations League by a UEFA decision. The group draw for the second edition of the controversial competition now threatens top opponents again.
Amsterdam (dpa) - National coach Joachim Löw also gets the chance to make amends in the Nations League. After the sporting relegation in 2018, the German national soccer team was allowed to play for the best teams in the second edition by reforming the UEFA competition.
The groups will be drawn in Amsterdam on Tuesday (6 p.m.). Then the DFB selection could catch real cracks like at the European Championships in summer.
Why can Germany continue to play in the best league?
The sporting relegation in autumn 2018 after four games without a win against France and Holland was the next low blow for national coach Joachim Löw after the World Cup knockout. Almost a year later, however, the class remained in League A. At the request of several countries, UEFA decided to reform the competition. Instead of twelve, 16 teams now play in the highest class. The four relegated teams - along with Germany, Croatia, Poland and Iceland - can continue to play in the best league. "It is surprising for me personally that we have not relegated in the Nations League," said the national coach. "In general, of course, it's always good to be able to compete with the strongest teams."
Which opponents are threatening the DFB team?
The national team is again threatened by a sporty, explosive autumn. Due to the poor performance at the premiere, the Löw team on Tuesday (6:00 p.m.) in Amsterdam was grouped with the other sporting relegated players in the worst pot 4 for League A. This could lead to duels with the Netherlands (Pot 1) and France (Pot 2), for example, as in the first edition, or - as with the European Championship in summer - to games against France and defending champions Portugal (Pot 1). Switzerland would probably be the simplest team from Pot 1.
A group with Spain (pot 2) and England (pot 1) would also be possible. Pot 2 also threatens Italy and the strong Belgians as opponents. Sweden, Denmark, the Ukraine and Bosnia-Herzegovina are in the promoted pot 3. Germany will play safely against one of these teams.
How is the mode And when do you play?
In the four groups of four in League A, everyone plays against everyone in home and away games. The four group winners qualify for the final tournament from June 2 to 6, 2021, which will be hosted in one of the participating countries. The last four groups relegate to League B for the next edition of the Nations League - unless there is a reform of the competition after all.
The double group play days are scheduled for September 3 to 8, October 8 to 13 and November 12 to 17. After the European Championship, the DFB selection will only play six competitive games in the Nations League this year and no more test country games.
What effects will the Nations League have on the 2022 World Cup?
It is still unclear whether the performance in the Nations League will also be decisive for the division of the pots for the qualification groups for the 2022 World Cup. UEFA had this plan. Then only the top ten Nations League teams would get a top spot in the November or December draw in Zurich. However, FIFA urges that only its world rankings be used as a criterion.
In any case, a good performance in the Nations League is a parachute for a World Cup ticket. The top two teams in the competition, who fail to qualify for Qatar in 2022, may still take part in a playoff round of a total of twelve teams for three World Cup starting places in spring 2022.
UEFA information on the Nations League
draw rules
Dates national team
National team squad