You need an hour or two and a patient listener to explain the new Nations League. Even a Rubik's cube is probably a shade easier. The competition, though, was surprisingly a big hit with good games, big crowds and a feeling that the matches had meaning. This, surely, was better than inconsequential friendlies with coaches changing six players on each side in the second half.

The climax of the tournament in Portugal felt like a mini-European Championship in itself. The four teams to qualify for...