Part 3 - Anything Can Happen
1998-99 Season: Leagues B to A and the inaugural Nations League Finals
League B
Sweden's consistent solidity granted them a top spot finish by a pretty big margin, participating in some close encounters and enjoying the best defensive record in the division. The recently independent Ukraine clinched a respectable runners-up position and relished in the emergence of a certain Andriy Shevchenko, whose 93rd-minute long-distance strike that hit the bar against Sweden nearly granted the Ukrainians a win in Kyiv. Greece avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth, scoring just one (!) goal. However, their defending, although boring at times, proved to be vital, while Hungary proved to be a cut below League B's standards.
Belgium was to co-host the upcoming European Championship and was eager to make a name for themselves ahead of the competition, perhaps rejuvenating another golden generation like that of the 80s. To an extent, they did just that by securing promotion from a tricky group. Poland and Switzerland enjoyed decent campaigns, but were marginally weaker than the Belgians, despite the Swiss victory in Zürich. Slovakia failed to pose a real threat, even though most of their matches, including the losses, were respectable.
People had high expectations of the Czech Republic in a group widely regarded to be child's play. Not only did the Czechs live up to the hype, but they also surpassed it by convincingly winning every single match, making it obvious they belong in the premier division. Second-placed Finland could not even obtain half the points as the mighty Czechs, and Lithuania lost 4-0 in Vilnius. Georgia's campaign was even more forgetful, acquiring a measly two points and finishing last.
Israel caused many jaws to drop with their opening performances, hammering both Northern Ireland and Turkey. This success proved to be temporary, though, as the Israelis dropped points in their subsequent matches and ultimately finished behind Turkey. A good showing by Israel, but still disappointing considering how good they initially were. A young Yossi Benayoun was especially disappointed, laying on the ground after Turkey secured promotion on the final matchday. One player who was not disappointed was Hakan Şükür, whose magisterial displays were instrumental in Turkey's success. Many people had predicted the Republic of Ireland to top the group, only to be let down. The usual Irish discipline and work ethic was there, but they suffered from an inability to just find the winning goal. Roy Keane arguably suffered the most, offering a couple of heroic performances to no avail. A young Robbie Keane showed promise, but it wasn't enough. No "luck of the Irish" this time around, at least for the Republic. The same can't be said about their neighbors to the north. Despite being relegated, Northern Ireland's sensational win in Dublin caused mayhem, with fans famously storming the field in celebration, similarly to when Scotland defeated England at Wembley in 1977.
Group B1
Matches
Ukraine 3-2 Hungary
Greece 0-1 Sweden
Hungary 0-1 Sweden
Ukraine 1-0 Greece
Hungary 0-0 Greece
Sweden 2-1 Ukraine
Sweden 1-0 Hungary
Greece 0-0 Ukraine
Ukraine 0-0 Sweden
Greece 1-0 Hungary
Hungary 1-1 Ukraine
Sweden 2-0 Greece
Group B2
Matches
Slovakia 1-3 Poland
Belgium 2-1 Switzerland
Poland 0-0 Switzerland
Slovakia 1-1 Belgium
Poland 1-1 Belgium
Switzerland 1-0 Slovakia
Switzerland 1-1 Poland
Belgium 1-0 Slovakia
Slovakia 0-0 Switzerland
Belgium 1-0 Poland
Poland 2-0 Slovakia
Switzerland 3-2 Belgium
Group B3
Matches
Finland 1-0 Georgia
Czech Republic 2-0 Lithuania
Georgia 1-1 Lithuania
Finland 1-3 Czech Republic
Georgia 1-2 Czech Republic
Lithuania 0-0 Finland
Lithuania 1-0 Georgia
Czech Republic 3-2 Finland
Finland 2-1 Lithuania
Czech Republic 2-0 Georgia
Georgia 1-1 Finland
Lithuania 0-4 Czech Republic
Group B4
Matches
Israel 4-1 Northern Ireland
Turkey 0-0 Republic of Ireland
Northern Ireland 1-1 Republic of Ireland
Israel 4-0 Turkey
Northern Ireland 0-3 Turkey
Republic of Ireland 2-0 Israel
Republic of Ireland 0-1 Northern Ireland
Turkey 2-0 Israel
Israel 1-1 Republic of Ireland
Turkey 3-0 Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland 1-1 Israel
Republic of Ireland 1-1 Turkey
League A
Excluding a couple of goalless draws, the 'group of death' lived up to the expectations, at least in the sense of offering memorable matches. However, few would've expected Portugal, who failed to qualify for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, to top it. They blessed the world of football with many memorable triumphs, the most spectacular of which came at home against Germany and England. Regardless, their opening away win against the Netherlands proved to be the most crucial in the long run. The Dutch were solid and finished as runners-up, yet disappointed as they had their eyes on the Finals. It was good, but not good enough for a team who finished fourth at a World Cup less than a year prior. England was neither successful nor disastrous, managing to avoid relegation from such a competitive group. Nevertheless, given their triumph over long-time rivals Germany and somewhat sensational 3-0 win over Portugal, most English fans viewed it as more of a "success" than a "disaster". In contrast, "disaster" perfectly summed up Germany's season. The only win
Die Mannschaft could manage was at home to an England team that was already sure to avoid relegation.
In accordance with the predictions of most people, Spain won Group A2. Even so, it's unlikely many people anticipated
La Roja's staggering 9-0 (!) win over Austria. It made the Austrians' earlier 5-0 loss against FR Yugoslavia not seem so bad in hindsight. Needless to say, Austria's catastrophe sent their FA into a crisis. Many people thought the matches between FR Yugoslavia and Croatia could be catastrophic, given the recent war. These fears proved to be unwarranted, as players and fans of both teams showed great respect and passion for the game. The former of the two finished in second place after inflicting Spain their sole loss. Croatia can also hold their head up high, though.
In Group A3, reigning world champions France faced stern competition from Romania's golden generation. Competition so stern that a "photo finish" was required. Or "tiebreakers", as it's called in the world of football. In this particular case, the tiebreakers were highly controversial. France had a superior goal difference and scored more goals, but it was still Romania who qualified for the Finals thanks to Viorel Moldovan's equalizer in Paris. Nevertheless, all teams are aware of the tiebreakers before the season begins and Romania played really well. The same can't be said about their southern neighbors, Bulgaria, who only obtained a single point. Scotland did enough to remain in League A, defeating Bulgaria at Hampden Park and holding them to a draw in Sofia.
There's no better or more articulate way to put it: Group A4 was crazy. Everyone seemed to beat everyone. Norway impressively defeated Denmark home and away. A Danish side that shockingly put three goals past Italy in Naples. Denmark also lost at home to Russia, only to win against them in Moscow a few months later. A team that couldn't accomplish that was the eventual group winners Norway, who made up the opposition in Russia's two draws. Meanwhile, Italy defeated the Russians twice. When all was said and done, Norway's golden generation sensationally topped the group, largely thanks to their narrow but deserved win against the
Azzurri in Oslo. Ole Gunnar Solskjær's well-placed finish in the 77th minute sent Norway into delirium.
Group A1
Matches
Netherlands 0-1 Portugal
England 1-0 Germany
Portugal 3-0 Germany
Netherlands 3-2 England
Portugal 3-2 England
Germany 1-1 Netherlands
Germany 1-1 Portugal
England 0-0 Netherlands
Netherlands 2-1 Germany
England 3-0 Portugal
Portugal 0-0 Netherlands
Germany 2-1 England
Group A2
Matches
Croatia 1-0 Austria
Spain 2-0 FR Yugoslavia
Austria 1-2 FR Yugoslavia
Croatia 0-0 Spain
Austria 1-2 Spain
FR Yugoslavia 0-0 Croatia
FR Yugoslavia 5-0 Austria
Spain 3-1 Croatia
Croatia 2-2 FR Yugoslavia
Spain 9-0 Austria
Austria 1-2 Croatia
FR Yugoslavia 3-2 Spain
Group A3
Matches
Bulgaria 0-3 France
Romania 1-0 Scotland
France 2-1 Scotland
Bulgaria 0-1 Romania
France 1-1 Romania
Scotland 1-0 Bulgaria
Scotland 0-2 France
Romania 1-0 Bulgaria
Bulgaria 1-1 Scotland
Romania 0-0 France
France 1-0 Bulgaria
Scotland 1-2 Romania
Group A4
Matches
Norway 2-1 Denmark
Russia 0-1 Italy
Denmark 1-2 Italy
Norway 2-2 Russia
Denmark 2-3 Russia
Italy 0-0 Norway
Italy 2-3 Denmark
Russia 1-1 Norway
Norway 1-0 Italy
Russia 1-2 Denmark
Denmark 0-2 Norway
Italy 1-0 Russia
1999 UEFA Nations League Finals
As the host nation was required to participate in the Nations League Finals, the bidding process didn't begin until 21 November 1998 when the group phase was concluded. All participants launched bids, but Norway and Romania were quickly rejected in favor of Portugal and Spain. This was especially interesting since the two Iberian countries simultaneously ran bids to host UEFA Euro 2004. The Portuguese bid ultimately ran supreme, just like it would do a few months later when it came to hosting Euro 2004. High-profile journalists understood that as Portugal was already favored to host the upcoming Euros, the UEFA Executive Committee was keen on seeing them host a smaller competition as a "sample" to be sure the right selection was made. The 1999 Finals were played in Porto and Guimarães from 5 to 9 June.
The semi-final pairings were decided by an open draw, with hosts Portugal being drawn against Romania and Norway having to face off versus Spain. Several cocky fans "jokingly" said UEFA should skip the semi-finals and just move directly to the final between Portugal and Spain. However, the fans, like everyone, would have to wait and see. Portugal started off energetically against Romania, but as the opening 20 and eventually 30 minutes passed, it seemed the match had reached a stalemate. Half-time came and went, and the stalemate could still not be broken. Portugal were better on paper and had more than enough tools to score at least one goal, but Romania handled them in an excellent manner, occasionally managing dangerous counter-attacks. As Portugal mounted a last-ditch effort to spare the match from extra time, Romania began such an attack. The ball quickly found its way to Dorinel Munteanu, whose low, hard and well-placed strike from just outside the penalty area sensationally gave Romania a place in the final. Complete silence in Porto, excluding the euphoric Romanian away fans.
"Golden opportunity for Spain to clinch Nations League title", or other things of that nature, was a very common headline following Portugal's exit. The only thing standing in Spain's way was Norway. This semi-final started off like the last one, with the Spaniards dominating early and the Norwegians working hard and defending resolutely until the initial onslaught is over. It was still goalless and the match slowed down. One can only imagine what the Norwegian players are thinking about. Maybe their historic struggles; their "inferiority to their big brothers, Denmark and Sweden". Or maybe the fact that they're a team that beat Brazil less than a year earlier. That this is their 'golden generation' and time to shine. Either way, in the 74th minute, Norway wins a free-kick from quite far out. The pass into the penalty area is distinct, but not as distinct as Steffen Iversen's header. Norway 1, Spain 0. A deadlock that could not be broken, despite seemingly relentless Spanish attempts. The semi-finals set up an arguably embarrassing third place play-off between Portugal and Spain. Hell, this was supposed to be the final. Portugal ultimately won it 1-0 thanks to Rui Costa. In the end, a great achievement by Portugal, who weren't even expected to make it out of their group. But everyone was still eagerly awaiting the final.
Unfortunately, but perhaps understandably, it was a boring final. Two underdogs, not knowing if they'll ever have the opportunity to win such a title again. Few risks, even fewer attempts on goal. The 90 minutes came and went, as did extra time. It wasn't Romania's first penalty shootout at a major tournament. At the 1990 World Cup, they were eliminated by the Republic of Ireland. Four years later, Sweden denied them a place in the semi-finals. Perhaps all the agony was a blessing in disguise that had given Romania crucial experience, because this time they were emphatic from eleven metres. Norway folded under the pressure. Only Kjetil Rekdal, who scored the winning penalty against Brazil at France '98, could find the back of the net. Romania, inaugural UEFA Nations League champions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That concludes the first Nations League season (of many to come) of this timeline. I hope you enjoyed it! Let me know what you think.
