Ronaldo Sends Portugal through, as Sterling Battle Depay and Van Dijk for a Place in the Nations League Final

The inaugural UEFA Nations League champion will be  decided over the next week, with DStv and GOtv viewers set to be treated to all the action

The first game from the Nations League semifinals came from Estadio do Dragao in Portugal, where hosts and reigning European champions Portugal sent Switzerland out of the competition courtesy of a Hatrick by Portuguese captain; Cristiano Ronaldo.

Portugal earned their place by topping Group 3 of League A ahead of Italy and Poland and were excellent once again on the night where Ronaldo further established himself as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Coach Fernando Santos and star player Cristiano Ronaldo will be itching to guide the Navigators to the trophy, especially with the final being held in their home country.

Switzerland proved a tough nut to crack but Ronaldo had all the answers to send the 2016 European champions into the final of the competition.

Prior to the game, Portugal and Switzerland had  met in 12 previous matches, with the record dead even at four wins a piece plus four draws. SuperSport viewers will be interested to know that the teams’ most recent meeting was a World Cup qualifier in October 2017 which Portugal won 2-0 at home. Portugal now have the edge of their Euriopean rival with 5 wins in 13 games.

The second semifinal on deck for DStv and GOtv viewers will be played at Estadio D. Afonso Henriques in Guimaraes and sees the Netherlands take on England on Thursday night (kick-off at 20:45 CAT).

The Dutch topped Group 1 ahead of the last two World Cup winners – France and Germany – and appear to be a resurgent side under Ronald Koeman, especially with Virgin van Dijk leading the defence and rising stars Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong and Steven Bergwijn growing in influence.

Yet England have risen to become one of the strongest national teams in the world under coach Gareth Southgate and put in an epic performance to top Group 4 ahead of Spain and Croatia. They will hope that Raheem Sterling continues the incredible form he showed back in March in the early stages of Euro 2020 qualifying.

Netherlands v England – Head-to-head

Matches played 22

Netherlands wins 9

England wins 7

Draws 9

The teams have clashed in 22 previous matches, with the Netherlands claiming nine wins to England’s seven. Their most recent meeting was a friendly in Amsterdam in March 2018 which the Three Lions won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Jesse Lingard.

For the latest news, fixtures and results from the UEFA Nations League, head to SuperSport’s tournament page.

For more information on the unmatched football on DStv and GOtv and the upcoming

fixtures, visit www.supersport.com.

Key match stats

Portugal v Switzerland – Head-to-head

Matches played 12

Portugal wins 4

Switzerland wins 4

Draws 4

Netherlands v England – Head-to-head

Matches played 22

Netherlands wins 9

England wins 7

Draws 9

UEFA Nations League semifinal fixtures

CAT

Thursday 6 June

20:45: Netherlands v England – LIVE on SS3, Max1 & SelGo4