UEFA Nations League Playoffs: What is at stake and who is involved?
While most international sides are playing an abolutely ridiculous friendly fixture this week given the current circumstances and season schedule - ahead of two UEFA Nations League group matches - 16 countries are involved in incredibly important ties.
The COVID-19 pandemic meant that the 2018/19 UEFA Nations League playoffs were postponed from March to October and November, kicking off with eight semi-finals tonight (October 8th).
What is the format?
The highest ranked team from each 2018/19 Nations League group that had failed to qualify for the European championships were automatically entered into the playoffs, meaning there will be at least one representative from each League (A, B, C and D) at next summer's finals. If fewer than four teams from any given league had failed to qualify, the remaining spaces for said league were allocated by overall ranking from the Nations League as a whole.
For instance, Iceland were the only League A side that failed to qualify directly for the Euros. With four teams failing to do so from League B, the remaining three League A spots for the were allocated to three sides that failed to qualify from League C. A draw took place to decide which of the four non-group winners from League C would remain in that path (Israel), and which three would be moved into path C (Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania).
The winners of each of the eight semi-finals will then play a straight shootout against the other semi-final winner within their path.
Who is involved?
The semi-finals to be played on October 8th are as follows, with the best-ranked team in each path hosting the fourth-ranked team, and the second-ranked team hosting the third-ranked team:
Path A: Bulgaria vs Hungary (19:45), Iceland vs Romania (19:45)
Path B: Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Northern Ireland (19:45), Slovakia vs Republic of Ireland (19:45)
Path C: Norway vs Serbia (19:45), Scotland vs Israel (19:45)
Path D: Georgia vs Belarus (17:00), North Macedonia vs Kosovo (19:45)
With England and Wales having already booked their place at next summer's tournament, The Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland are all in playoff action.
The former face Slovakia, while neighbouring Northern Ireland play Bosnia and Herzegovina in the other semi-final from Path B. Therefore, there is a chance that the two will have a straight playoff for a place at the Euros.
Scotland, meanwhile, play Israel yet again, having done so twice in the group stages, with home advantage winning out on both occasions as Israel won 2-1 on home soil before Scotland turned the tables with a 3-2 win at Hampden Park. The winner of that match faces a very tough looking opponent in either Norway or Serbia.
If any of the playoff matches remain level after 90 minutes, the matches will go to extra time before a penalty shootout if the sides still cannot be separated.
The ultimate winner of each of the finals in each path taking place next month will occupy one of the four vacant spots at next summer's European Championships, so plenty is at stake!
What channel is it on?
Scotland vs Israel - Sky Sports Main Event (from 19:00 GMT)
Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Northern Ireland - Sky Sports Premier League (from 19:00 GMT)
Slovakia vs Republic of Ireland - Sky Sports Football (from 19:00 GMT)
