The UEFA Nations League is a biennial competition contested by member associations of UEFA. It was introduced to replace international friendly matches previously played on FIFA International Match Days. The first edition began in September 2018 and its final would be played in June 2019. Portugal have won the hosting right to host the semifinals and final of the competition. The group winners of the top-ranked League A qualify for to compete in the last four and for a place in the competition final.
The semifinal draw takes place in Dublin on Monday 03 December 2018. It is an open draw with no seeding. The first semi-final would be played 05 June 2019 and the second the following day 06 June. The loser’s final (Third-place play-off) is on the same day as the final 09 June 2019. The semi-final winners advance to the final; defeated teams contest a third-place play-off. If the scores are level at the end of normal time then there is extra time, when teams are permitted a fourth substitution. If the scores are still level after the additional 30 minutes, it goes to a penalty shoot-out. Goal-line technology will be utilized throughout.
The winner gets a sterling silver trophy; the trophy weighs 7.5 kg and is 71 cm tall. There is equally prize money for all participating teams. The prize money on offer is as follows:
€7.5m Winners
€6.5m Runners-up
€5.5m Third place
€4.5m Fourth place
The figures include the €3m all four finalists have already secured, made up of a €1.5m solidarity fee for all League A teams and €1.5m as a bonus for winning a League A group. A total of €76.25m in solidarity and bonus fees was earmarked for the 55 competing national associations.
The host cities are Porto and Guimaraes; Porto’s Estádio do Dragão and the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques in Guimaraes proposed as host venues.
The UEFA Nations League is not a direct qualification for UEFA European Championship but the semi-finalists who are equally the highest ranked teams in the Nations League get a special pot which guarantees them two free dates to play the UEFA Nations League Finals in June 2019. Their UEFA EURO 2020 qualifying group will have a group of five rather than group of six in some other cases.
England, Portugal and Switzerland have all booked their places. France or Netherlands will take the last place on Monday night. Relegated Germany host Netherlands at Veltins-Arena – Gelsenkirchen tonight. The Dutch need a draw to pip France to top spot in the group and book a place in the semifinals. Predict and win big by visiting our Sports shop Babaijebu.ng for tonight’s UEFA Nations League A – Group 1 game.