UEFA Nations League: Spain edge Switzerland to finish unbeaten, Conor Bradley helps Northern Ireland to promotion
Updated 18/11/2024 at 23:27 GMT
Spain edged Switzerland 3-2 thanks to a late penalty to remain unbeaten in the UEFA Nations League. Elsewhere, Liverpool defender Conor Bradley found the net as Northern Ireland secured promotion. Despite throwing away a two-goal lead, they held on against Luxembourg to secure a place in League B, while San Marino won their second competitive game in history to seal promotion to League C.
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A late spot-kick helped Spain overcome Switzerland 3-2 in their final UEFA Nations League group game to remain unbeaten.
Yeremy Pino, Bryan Gil and Bryan Zaragoza were on target for the Euro 2024 winners, who had already secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals.
Spain were awarded a penalty on the half-hour mark, which Barcelona midfielder Pedri missed before Pino stabbed home the rebound from Nico Williams’ follow-up effort.
Switzerland were on level terms after an hour when Young Boys’ Joel Monteiro squeezed a fantastic finish from a tight angle past Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez after a brilliant solo run.
But the hosts were quickly back in front when Tottenham Hotspur loanee Gil won the ball in the box before thrashing a strike into the bottom corner.
However, Switzerland equalised again when Fabien Ruiz conceded a penalty in the final 10 minutes, which Andi Zeqiri converted.
But there was yet more room for drama, as Spain won the third penalty of the game in the late stages, which Zaragoza put away for the win.
In the same group, Denmark were held to a goalless draw in Serbia as they sealed a quarter-final spot.
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Bradley helps Northern Ireland to promotion
Northern Ireland have gained promotion to the second tier of the Nations League, despite throwing away a two-goal lead against Luxembourg in a 2-2 draw.
Michael O'Neill’s side were on their way to a comfortable victory in the soaking wet conditions after goals from Isaac Price and Liverpool’s Conor Bradley.
Northern Ireland knew that a win would seal their place in League B of the Nations League no matter what second-place Bulgaria did.
But things started to get shaky for the visitors towards the end in an exciting finish, as bottom side Luxembourg pulled a goal back.
And things got even nervier for Northern Ireland as the home side equalised with 15 minutes to play.
But results elsewhere went their way, as Bulgaria failed to beat Belarus and Northern Ireland held on to avoid defeat.
San Marino win again and gain promotion
San Marino scored three goals in one game for the first time in their history as they overcame Liechtenstein 3-1 to secure their third victory of all time and win Group D1.
Despite their FIFA ranking of 210, San Marino secured their second win against Liechtenstein this campaign, who their last registered win came against in 2004.
Not only have they secured their second and third wins ever, but they have also gained promotion to League C.
Elsewhere, Scotland sealed a late win in Poland which meant Steve Clarke’s side pipped their opposition to a relegation play-off place.
In the same group, two Premier League stars were on target as 2023 finalists Croatia and group winners Portugal settled for a 1-1 draw.
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