France and Spain on the brink of finals, Germany hope to avoid drop

World champions France and Spain are one step away from qualifying for the Nations League finals while Germany could be relegated before they even play their last game.

The last rounds of League A group games will also see a thrilling showdown between World Cup semi-finalists Belgium and Switzerland for a place at the mini-tournament next June while England and Croatia face first place or the drop, just like the Dutch.

France top Group 1 with seven points and and require only a draw on Friday in Rotterdam to clinch first place.

But the Dutch, on three, still have a chance to win the group themselves. In order to do that they must first beat Les Bleus and then Germany in Gelsenkirchen on Monday.

A Dutch victory against France would also see the once mighty Germans, who have one point, relegated to Nations League B. If France win, the Germans still need to beat the Dutch Tuesday, and by more than three goals if the Dutch draw against France.

"Of course we play to win games and the Nations League," Dutch coach Ronald Koeman said.

"When the draw was made it was believed the Dutch would finish third. Now it seems as if more is possible. We have two great games ahead of us."

Prevailing over the reigning and the 2014 world champions would be a considerable boost for Dutch morale after they failed to qualify for Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.

On the other end of the spectrum relegation would be another blow for Germany after their World Cup group stage exit.

Coach Joachim Loew and his players hope for victory in a Thursday friendly against Russia in Leipzig to boost morale.

"It's two good games," RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner said. "The more important is against Holland but against Russia we should get a bit of momentum so we can play a good game on Monday."

Croatia had a stunning run into the World Cup final in Russia but like the Germans are on the brink of relegation in Group 4 on one point ahead of a home game against leaders Spain (six) and trip to England (four).

Spain thrashed Croatia 6-0 in their first meeting in Elche two months ago, and Croatia are keen to make amends.

"This loss has to be forgotten, as we await an entirely different match," coach Zlatko Dalic said. "Let's all keep this summer's unity and witness a good Croatia's performance and an important victory, to have the opportunity to play at Wembley for the top spot."

Spain complicated their situation by losing 3-2 at home against England and it was no surprise that Luis Enrique looked to shake-up the centre of his defence for Spain’s final group game against Croatia this Thursday.

Espanyol defender Mario Hermoso has been called up and could even come into the team alongside Sergio Ramos, and Barcelona's Jordi Alba is also back in the squad.

Depending on the outcome of the game, English and Croatia could then be playing to either win the group or avoid being relegated.

“We're looking at a game where we could be going to a semi-final or we could be out of the league,” England manager Gareth Southgate said. “That sort of jeopardy adds tension to the games and adds excitement for the fans.”

In Group 3, European champions Portugal lead the way with six points into a Saturday date at second-placed Italy (four) before hosting relegated Poland (one) in the final game.

Italy, who like the Dutch missed the World Cup, have a slim chance to reach the Final Four, with coach Roberto Mancini saying: "We play to beat Portugal and get first place, even though it will not depend only on ourselves.”

Belgium and Switzerland are joint Group C leaders on six points each and will wrap up matters with a deciding duel in Lucerne on Sunday, after Belgium host relegated Iceland on Thursday.

Ukraine are already assured of promotion from League B while Russia and Bosnia-Herzegovina need one more point to reach the top tier.

Luxembourg, Kosovo and Gibraltar are in with a chance to move up from League D which would also enhance their chances of possibly qualifying for Euro 2020 through the Nations League.