"We won the Nations League and Diogo Jota was part of that success," Martinez said in a news conference on Friday. "He's a strength for us, a source of motivation because he wanted to win the World Cup. We have a responsibility to fight for the Portuguese people, as always, but we have a responsibility for Diogo, and that's very special."
Following victories over Finland and Malta, the Oranje led Poland through Denzel Dumfries' back-post header from a Memphis Depay corner in the 28th minute. Poland struggled for clear-cut chances, only firing off six shots - two of which hit the target - and amassing 0.39 expected goals (xG) to the Netherlands' 1.05. However, the visitors claimed a draw through Matty Cash's 80th-minute equaliser, with the Aston Villa right-back lashing home from near the right corner of the box.
Matty Cash slammed in a brilliant equaliser as Poland fought back to draw 1-1 with the Netherlands in World Cup qualifying. Ronald Koeman's team looked set to make it three wins from three Group G matches on Thursday, as they led thanks to Denzel Dumfries' first-half header. Yet Aston Villa full-back Cash, who had missed with two earlier sighters, arrowed in a superb strike in the 80th minute.
Getting their respective World Cup qualifying campaign underway with an action-packed 3-2 victory on foreign soil, the Crescent Stars have largely impressed over recent times. Booking their spot among the Nations League's elite back in March as they secured a thumping 6-1 aggregate win against Hungary, Turkey have won four of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Booking a EURO 24 quarter-final ticket last summer, Sunday's hosts now have their sights firmly set on wrapping up a silver medal finish in Group E.
While other countries have already played multiple games in the UEFA World Cup qualifiers, Spain are only starting now due to their presence in the latter stages of the Nations League earlier in the year, when they lost in the final to Portugal. Luis de la Fuente's side travel to Sofia to play Bulgaria, a match they'll be expected to win in Group E that also contains Georgia and Turkey.
Christian Eriksen has been monied from Riemer's squad. Despite turning 39 later in the year, Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will start between the sticks here and earn a 115th international cap. Completing a blockbuster loan switch to Italian giants Napoli last week, Rasmus Hojlund should lead the line on Friday night. In what was a shock inclusion, Utrecht star Victor Jensen could earn a first international cap in Copenhagen.
Starting with the hosts, while Slovakia might have gained plenty of plaudits last year as they embarked on an eye-catching Nations League group stage flurry, Francesco Calzona's men have largely come crashing back down to earth so far this calendar year. Missing out on the chance to book a League B spot back on March 23rd as they eventually fell to a 1-0 aggregate defeat against Slovenia, the Blues will be bracing themselves for a heavyweight challenge here.
Breaking | Seámus Coleman has been left out of the Ireland squad for next month's opening World Cup qualifying double-header, as Heimir Hallgrimsson named his 23-man squad this morning. The Ireland boss said in May that he was hopeful the Everton captain would return for the crunch fixtures against Hungary and Armenia, but despite now being fit, there is no place in the squad for the 73-times capped defender.
Norway's soccer federation says it "cannot remain indifferent" to humanitarian suffering in Gaza and will donate any profits from an upcoming World Cup qualifying game against Israel to aid work there. Norway plays Israel in Oslo on Oct. 11. "Neither we nor other organizations can remain indifferent to the humanitarian suffering and disproportionate attacks that the civilian population in Gaza has been subjected to for a long time," Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness said in a statement Tuesday.
The Three Lions achieved a tedious 1-0 victory against Andorra, with Harry Kane scoring his 450th goal, showcasing England's struggle against a well-organized defense.