Almost three years ago I explored the Nations League and qualification for European Championship Finals. I posed the question whether it was more advantageous in the long run (qualification) to lose some games. The piece can be found here.
I still struggle with the competition structure and how qualification can happen. It is dependent upon so many factors - not simply where one finishes in their group - but where others finish in different groups and how these countries performed in the 2022/23 Nations League.
From the perspective of the Republic of Ireland, given their campaign so far, and that of the Netherlands and Greece, it now appears to be the case that the Irish will be better off losing their final group game in Amsterdam against the Dutch.
This would mean that the chances of more than seven nations finishing above Ireland in the Nations League rankings, and not advancing to Euro 2024 through automatic group qualification are lower, should the Dutch beat Ireland. Greece are ranked below Ireland and already have a play-off spot confirmed thanks to winning their Nations League group.
Another unintended consequence surely of this incredibly complex qualification system.