Our prediction for this Nations League match:
All eyes will be on Stadio Giuseppe Meazza when Spain and France go head to head in the UEFA Nations League final. La Roja did well to beat Italy in the semis, but it has to be noted that the Azzurri defender Leonardo Bonucci was sent off after just 42 minutes. Man City attacker Ferran Torres, who scored a brace in the semis, will be the man to watch in Luis Enrique’s side, while Barcelona rising star should keep his place in the starting XI after impressing in the triumph over Italy.
Les Tricolores, on the other hand, came from behind to beat Belgium 3-2 in their semifinal match, with Theo Hernandez scoring a late winner at Allianz Stadium. Even though all N’Golo Kante, Kingsley Coman, and Olivier Giroud are out of contention through injuries, we predict that Didier Deschamps’ men will find the net in the Nations League final. Given Spain’s attacking potential, both teams to score betting option should be considered.
Highlighted Player (Koke):
Jorge Resurreccion Merodio “Koke” has enjoyed a meteoric rise after coming through the youth ranks at Atletico Madrid, quickly becoming an important player for both club and country. Possessing impressive technical skills and very mature for his age, the highly rated midfielder is capable of covering just about any position in the middle of the park and he has been used as a central midfielder, left winger and right winger by both Diego Simeone and Vicente Del Bosque.
Koke has been a key member of one of the best generations in the history of Atletico Madrid, winning the 2013/2014 La Liga trophy and reaching the Champions League final the same year. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s best midfielders, it is only a matter of time before Koke will join an absolute top club and he is believed to be a primary target for La Liga rivals Barcelona.
While playing alongside Xavi Hernandez at the 2014 World Cup, Koke is believed to be a worthy successor of the former Catalans star in the national team now that he has retired, and with 20 Spain caps to his name, his international career is just starting.
Highlighted Team (France):
Recording impressive results on international stage since 1904, France are widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful national teams, with three major trophies to their name. Two of those were won on home soil as Les Bleus emerged triumphant at the 1984 World Cup and 1998 European Championships, before also winning the 2000 Euros in Netherlands and Belgium.
Michel Platini, Jean Tigana, Luis Fernandez and Alain Giresse formed the “Carre Magique” during the 80’s as one of the most impressive attacking line-ups made life difficult for opposition defenders for years on end.
The new golden generation appeared at the turn of the century and featured players like Thierry Henry, Zinedine Zidane, David Trezeguet and Youri Djorkaef, winning back to back major trophies to place Les Bleus back on the map.
A new world-class team appears to be in the making as the likes of Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and Raphael Varane are the pillars of the team led by Didier Deschamps. France national team now play their games at the stunning Saint Denis, or Stade de France.