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UEFA Nations League: Germany draw Netherlands and France

Jonathan Harding
January 24, 2018

The much-awaited Nations League draw has been made and Germany will be up against traditional rivals; a team Germany beat to win a World Cup title years ago, and a team they beat on their way to their most recent title.

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Symbolbild - Vor Auslosung für die neue Nations League
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/KEYSTONE/V. Flauraud

The Nations League draw was made on Wednesday, with Germany drawing Netherlands and France in Group 1 of League A.

After the draw, Germany and Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Müller tweeted: "What an awesome group! An interesting start to this new tournament."

Germany head coach Joachim Löw wanted tough teams and so said afterwards with a smile: "Finally, no luck of the draw."

Löw added: "France and the Netherlands are neighboring countries with a long football culture and history. For the fans, for everyone involved, they are interesting games."

"It's the strongest group and in one move it's clear what the Nations League means: One of the three will be relegated. That means exciting games, full stadiums. This has got nothing to do with the friendlies that would have otherwise been played at this time," said German FA (DFB) President Reinhard Grindel afterwards.

Endless explainer articles were written on the Nations League concept. Many remain confused as to the true purpose of the new competition, but UEFA say it is meant to inject some fresh life into international football in Europe by adding some more competitiveness to national team games and reducing the number of friendlies.

The six league phase matchdays are to take place between September and November.

Below are a full list of the leagues.