The Nations League: Group A2 Breakdown
- Lola Casarejos Romero
- Jan 9
- 3 min read
As we explore more groups within League A, we must talk about A2. This group contains France, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland and are a group to watch.
FRANCE
France is a nation that need no introduction as they are seen as a powerhouse. Although they have only won the SheBelieves Cup in 2017 and were the runners-up in 2018, they are still incredibly competitive.
Most recently, on the 3rd of December, France lost 4-2 to Spain. However this does not completely reflect their year, as they have won 10 matches in 2024, and lost 7 others.
Players to watch out for would be PSG’s Marie Antionette Katoto as she has scored 9 goals so far this season, including an impressive hat-trick against Strasbourg in a Premiere Ligue match.
Another key player may be Paris FC’s Clara Mateo. The 27-year-old has had a stellar start to her season as she has scored 14 goals so far with two hat-tricks. Mateo is an extremely tactical player and is a strong finisher.
A promising young French forward, Noemie Mouchon, was on her way to earn a call-up for the first time before she ruptured her ACL in late October of 2024. This then ruled her out for the rest of the season and so she would not be able to star for France just yet.
ICELAND
Although Iceland are not of the top teams, the nation still has some titles to their name as they were the runners-up of the 2022 SheBelieves Cup. They were the Champions of the Pinatar Cup in 2023 and they won this from one draw and two wins, not losing a single match.
One of their star players is Glodis Viggosdottir who has played for Bayern Munich since July of 2021. The defender has remained consistent since she has begun playing internationally, earning her 66 caps and 9 goals.
Another player to keep an eye on is Inter Milan’s young goalkeeper Cecilia Runarsdottir who is a consistent call up to be the second goalkeeper and has played 11 matches for Inter since joining them in July of 2024.
Iceland do not have many major injuries and but they have a noticeably young team. The question will be if they will call up more young players to earn their first caps.
NORWAY
Norway as a team have many squad members who have vast experience. Even though they have not won much, in 2024 they won seven matches out of twelve with only one loss. Norway is also the home country of the first ever recipient of the women's Ballon D’Or; Ada Hegerberg.
The nation has many stars, however one of the best known is Barcelona’s Caroline Graham Hansen. The 29-year-old has scored 40 times for her national team and is one of Barca’s strongest forwards as she was in contention for the 2024 Ballon D’Or.
Someone else to look out for is Arsenal’s Frida Maanum who is one of their top scorers and she has scored 17 goals in 52 matches for Norway. However, Maanum is strongest in the midfield as she controls the ball with ease and pushes her team further.
A player who may not return to the National team for this Nations League is Maren Mjelde as she has been a member of this squad since 2007 and is currently 35 years old. Her retirement has been expected, but the defender hasn't made an announcement as of yet.
SWITZERLAND
The hosts of the 2025 Euros have not yet won anything, but this does not make them any less talented as their squad have a massive range of skills and tactical strengths. They are led by Arsenal’s Lia Walti and have won seven matches in 2024, drawing only one against Australia.
A young player to keep your eye on is Sydney Schertenleib from Barcelona. The 17-year-old has made her way to Barca’s first team and since joining in July of 2024, she has made 4 appearances where she immediately showed her impact within the game taking control of the ball with confidence.
Someone else to watch is West Ham United’s Seraina Piubel who has starred for West Ham so far with 13 appearances. She has scored twice against Crystal Palace and also against Portsmouth.
However, a player whose future is being questioned is Ana-Maria who is Switzerland’s most capped player and holds the most goals having scored 74 times.
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