Italy, France, England, Austria, and Norway Secure Nations League Quarterfinal Berths

Italy, France, England, Austria, and Norway Secure Nations League Quarterfinal Berths

Italy secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgium in Brussels. The visitors dominated the early stages and took the lead after 11 minutes when Sandro Tonali tapped in a deflected cross from Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Belgium pressed for an equalizer but could only manage a second-half header from Wout Faes that hit the post.

Meanwhile, France’s qualification was confirmed despite a lackluster 0-0 draw with Israel in Paris. The hosts struggled to create chances against a resolute Israeli defense, managing only 25 attempts on goal. Israel’s goalkeeper, Daniel Peretz, made two diving saves in the second half to deny Warren Zaire-Emery and Christopher Nkunku.

In Athens, England’s interim coach Lee Carsley enjoyed an emphatic 3-0 victory over Greece. Ollie Watkins replaced Harry Kane and justified his selection with a goal after seven minutes. Jude Bellingham forced the second goal after 78 minutes, with Curtis Jones adding a third five minutes later. England and Greece are level on points but England’s superior goal difference puts them top of the group.

Austria and Norway also secured wins in Group B3. Austria defeated Kazakhstan 2-0, while Norway beat Slovenia 4-1. Erling Haaland scored once for Norway, who are now level on points with Austria but trail on goal difference.

France and Germany Triumph with Stand-in Forwards in Nations League

France and Germany Triumph with Stand-in Forwards in Nations League

France and Germany secured crucial victories in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, thanks to the contributions of stand-in forwards.

In Brussels, France overcame fierce rivals Belgium 2-1, with Randal Kolo Muani scoring both goals for the visitors. Kolo Muani, who has started only two games for Paris Saint-Germain this season, has now scored in all three of his appearances for France against Belgium.

Belgium, who have lost their last three matches against France, took the lead through Loïs Openda’s header in the 38th minute. However, Kolo Muani equalized just before halftime, heading in Lucas Digne’s cross.

The Paris Saint-Germain striker then grabbed the winner in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error to slot home from close range. France held on to their lead despite being reduced to 10 men after Aurélien Tchouaméni was sent off for a second yellow card in the 76th minute.

In Munich, Germany defeated the Netherlands 1-0, with Jamie Leweling scoring the only goal of the game in the 64th minute. Leweling, who was making his debut for Germany, fired a powerful drive into the bottom corner from outside the box.

The victory was a welcome boost for Germany, who have been struggling for form in recent months. It was also a fitting farewell for four players who recently retired from international duty: Toni Kroos, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, and Ilkay Gundogan.

Italy and Hungary also recorded victories in the Nations League on Monday. Italy defeated Israel 4-1 in Udine, with Mateo Retegui, Giovanni Di Lorenzo (2), and Davide Frattesi getting on the scoresheet. Hungary, meanwhile, beat Bosnia 2-0 in Sarajevo, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Martin Adam scoring the goals.

With two group games remaining in November, France, Italy, and Germany are all on the verge of clinching a top-two finish and spots in the quarterfinals.

Italy Squander 2-0 Lead to Draw with Belgium After Pellegrini Red Card

Italy Squander 2-0 Lead to Draw with Belgium After Pellegrini Red Card

Italy’s Nations League campaign took a disappointing turn on Thursday as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Belgium in Brussels. Despite taking an early 2-0 lead, the Azzurri were unable to hold on after Lorenzo Pellegrini’s red card sparked a Belgian comeback.

Italy’s lightning-fast start saw them score within the opening minute. Federico Di Marco’s low cross found Andrea Cambiaso, whose initial shot was saved by Koen Casteels. However, Cambiaso was on hand to bundle in the rebound. The Azzurri doubled their advantage in the 24th minute when Di Marco’s volleyed cross was met by Cambiaso. Casteels denied Cambiaso a second goal, but Mateo Retegui pounced on the loose ball to make it 2-0.

Italy’s momentum was halted in the 55th minute when Pellegrini was sent off for a reckless challenge on Zeno Debast. The VAR review confirmed the decision, leaving Italy with 10 men. Belgium seized the opportunity, with Maxim De Cuyper reducing the deficit with a curling shot from the edge of the box.

The Red Devils continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded in the 61st minute. Leandro Trossard poked home from close range to level the scores. Italy struggled to create chances with a man down, and Belgium held on for a hard-fought draw.

The result leaves Italy in third place in Group 2 of Nations League A, behind Belgium and Spain. The Azzurri will face Spain in their next match on Sunday, while Belgium will take on Poland.

France Bounce Back with 2-0 Victory over Belgium in UEFA Nations League

France Bounce Back with 2-0 Victory over Belgium in UEFA Nations League

France redeemed themselves with a 2-0 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, following their disappointing loss to Italy. Despite fielding a weakened team, Les Bleus showcased their resilience and determination.

Randal Kolo Muani opened the scoring just before halftime, capitalizing on a mishit shot from Ousmane Dembele. Dembele then sealed the victory in the 57th minute with a stunning individual effort, dribbling past defenders before unleashing a powerful shot.

Coach Didier Deschamps expressed relief at his team’s response after their poor performance against Italy. “I am happy with our reaction,” he said. “We faced a strong Belgium side, but we showed our quality.”

The victory was a welcome boost for France, who had endured a difficult Euro 2024 campaign. They will now look to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches.

Belgium, captained by Kevin De Bruyne, struggled to find an equalizer despite creating several chances. The defeat leaves them with three points in Group A2, behind Italy and France.

The next round of matches will take place in October, with Italy facing Belgium in Rome and Israel meeting France on neutral territory in Budapest.

Olympic Women's Basketball: Belgium, Australia Stumble in Upset-Filled Start

Olympic Women’s Basketball: Belgium, Australia Stumble in Upset-Filled Start

Belgium and Australia Suffer Upsets in Women’s Basketball at Paris Olympics

The highly anticipated women’s basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics got off to a surprising start on Monday, with fancied Belgium and Australia suffering unexpected defeats.

In Group C, Belgium, considered a medal contender, fell to debutants Germany 83-69. The Sabally sisters, Satou and Nyara, proved to be a formidable force for Germany, combining for 33 points. Belgium’s offense struggled to keep pace, with Emma Meesseman, their star player, limited to just 12 points.

Meanwhile, in Group B, Nigeria pulled off a stunning upset over third-ranked Australia, winning 75-62. Point guard Ezinne Kalu led the way for Nigeria, scoring 19 points and orchestrating a relentless defense. Australia, despite a strong second-half performance, couldn’t overcome Nigeria’s tenacity.

“Our defense was relentless,” said Kalu. “We smelt blood for the ball. Nobody defends like us, and that’s what kept us going.”

The results have shaken up the tournament’s early standings, with Germany and Nigeria emerging as potential dark horses. Defending champions the United States, who begin their campaign against Japan later on Monday, will be wary of the upsets that have already occurred.

Hosts France will face Canada in Group B later on Monday, hoping to avoid a similar fate to Belgium and Australia. The tournament promises to be fiercely competitive, with several teams vying for a spot on the podium.

De Bruyne Out of Belgium Squad for Friendlies Due to Groin Injury

De Bruyne Out of Belgium Squad for Friendlies Due to Groin Injury

Manchester City’s midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne has been omitted from the Belgium squad for upcoming friendlies against Ireland and England due to a persistent groin issue. Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco confirmed the news on Thursday, citing concerns over De Bruyne’s fitness ahead of the European Championship this summer.

De Bruyne has endured a challenging season, having undergone hamstring surgery in August after sustaining an injury on the opening day of the Premier League. The Belgian international was sidelined for nearly five months, and since his return in January, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has carefully managed his workload.

Guardiola opted to rest De Bruyne for the match against Brentford on February 20 due to lingering hamstring discomfort. While De Bruyne made a substitute appearance in the subsequent victory over Bournemouth, he has since started three of City’s last four games. However, his substitution in the 69th minute of the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday raised concerns about his fitness.

Tedesco explained that De Bruyne’s groin injury has been a concern in recent matches. After consulting with the team doctor and De Bruyne himself, the decision was made to prioritize his recovery and rehabilitation with Manchester City.

“If the risk of an injury is too high, it’s our responsibility to say it’s better to protect him,” Tedesco said. “And then to have him ready for the Euros. We can’t take risks at this moment with any player, especially not with Kevin.”

Belgium’s preparations for Euro 2024 will continue with friendlies against Ireland on March 23 and England at Wembley Stadium three days later. However, De Bruyne’s absence will be a significant blow to the Red Devils, who will be looking to build momentum ahead of the tournament.

Domenico Tedesco

Belgium appoints Domenico Tedesco as their new head coach

The Royal Belgian Football Association has announced the appointment of Domenico Tedesco as the head coach of the national men’s football team. The announcement came after Roberto Martinez’s shock departure from the head coach’s role following the team’s early exit from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

After the appointment, Domenico Tedesco said, “For me, it is a great honour to be the new head coach of Belgium. I’m really looking forward to the task, and I’m extremely motivated. ” He further added, “I had a very good feeling right from the first conversation.”

Tedesco, who formerly coached RB Leipzig, will be in charge of the Belgian football team until after the 2024 European Championships.

The Royal Belgian Football Association released a statement that stated, “His mission is to qualify the Belgian Red Devils for the Euro 2024 in Germany. The first qualifying match will be played on March 24 in Stockholm against Sweden.” The Belgian federation praised Domenico Tedesco’s “top-level international experience” as well as his “offensive style of football with plenty of forward pressure.”

Additionally, the Belgian federation appointed former international player Frank Vercauteren — who served as interim coach a few years ago — as its new sports director.

Belgium loses to Morocco

Morocco shocks Belgium thanks to Sabiri & Aboukhlal’s goals

Belgium who was considered one of the favourites for the 2022 FIFA World Cup has suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Morocco. The second-ranked football team was outclassed by Hakim Ziyech’s team 2-0 thanks to the two second-half goals scored by Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal.

The match started with both teams attacking consistently to get the lead. Morocco, however, got the better of the Belgian defence. In the 47th minute of the first half, Hakim Ziyech, the star winger of Morocco, scored a fantabulous goal before the stroke of the whistle. But the goal was ruled out as VAR called it offside.

This didn’t deter the confidence of the Moroccan team as they continued to keep possession of the ball and take shots at the target. In the 74th minute, the Moroccans breached past the Belgium defence. Abdelhamid Sabiri scored a carbon-copy free-kick to Ziyech’s earlier ruled-out goal. The Belgians were left shocked due to this absolute error by their defence.

To make the matters worse, the Moroccan team scored another wonderful goal thanks to Zakaria Aboukhlal’s graceful strike inside the box. Aboukhlal’s strike sealed the game for Morocco and gave his team their first World Cup win in over 24 years.

The loss makes matters worse for Belgium to qualify for the knockout stage. They have 3 points from 2 matches with one win and one loss and are in the third position in Group F. The Belgians have one match remaining against 2018 FIFA World Cup runner-up Croatia.

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