By John Considine
Nine groups in the UEFA Nations League are comprised of three teams. The teams in these group have to play four games over during three international windows. This means that in each window, one of the teams will have to play two games in this competition. My gut feeling was that this would place the team playing two UEFA Nations League games at a disadvantage. Watching the Croatians struggle against England, after a win against Spain earlier in the week, seemed to confirm my expectations. However, when I checked the data the case was not as compelling.
I only examined the first two international windows. The third one is currently underway. It also has games where the incentives have changes based on the results from the earlier games. Eighteen games were played where one team was competing in its second UEFA Nations League game. In half of these the team played at home.
I only examined the first two international windows. The third one is currently underway. It also has games where the incentives have changes based on the results from the earlier games. Eighteen games were played where one team was competing in its second UEFA Nations League game. In half of these the team played at home.
It would seem that playing a second game is a problem when it is played away. The overall results for the group games are given here. Just over 50% (19/36) result in home wins.
The small number of observations are a problem. There there are other complications, e.g. was the first game played at home or away. It will take a little more time to make a solid judgement.
RSS Feed