NationsLeague

Belgium Squad Announced for Nations League Matches, De Bruyne and Lukaku Absent

By Nilay October 4, 2024 0

Belgium’s national football team coach, Domenico Tedesco, has announced his squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Italy and France. Notably, Manchester City’s star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne will miss the matches due to injury.

De Bruyne, 33, had previously hinted at potentially retiring from international football. However, he has since assured Tedesco that he intends to continue playing for Belgium for the next two years, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“I had a long conversation with Kevin,” Tedesco said. “He’s injured now, but he’s highly motivated to continue with us and play in the World Cup. He asked to be excused from this camp and the November camp to focus on his physical recovery.”

Another notable absence from the squad is Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku. Tedesco has decided to rest Lukaku, who recently joined the Italian club, to allow him to “work individually” and settle into his new surroundings.

Belgium will face Italy in Rome on October 10th and then host France in Brussels on October 14th. The squad includes a mix of experienced players and rising stars, with several players representing top clubs across Europe.

Goalkeepers: Koen Casteels (Al Qadsiah), Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest), Maarten Vandevoordt (RB Leipzig)

Defenders: Sebastiaan Bornauw (Wolfsburg), Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Zeno Debast (Sporting Portugal), Maxim De Cuyper (Club Bruges), Wout Faes (Leicester), Matte Smets (Genk), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt), Koni De Winter (Genoa)

Midfielders: Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa), Orel Mangala (Lyon), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Arne Engels (Celtic), Malick Fofana (Lyon)

Forwards: Johan Bakayoko (PSV), Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Dodi Lukebakio (Sevilla), Lois Openda (RB Leipzig), Cyril Ngonge (Napoli), Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)

Categories: Football

Mbappe Omitted from France Squad for Nations League Matches

By Nilay October 4, 2024 0

France’s star forward Kylian Mbappe has been omitted from the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium. The decision was made by coach Didier Deschamps to allow Mbappe to rest and recover from a minor thigh injury.

Mbappe recently returned to action for Real Madrid after a brief spell on the sidelines. He made a substitute appearance in the Champions League match against Lille, but the team suffered a surprising 1-0 defeat.

Deschamps explained his decision to leave Mbappe out of the squad, stating that he had spoken to the player and determined that it was not a serious injury. However, he emphasized that he would not take any risks with Mbappe’s fitness.

“I am not going to take risks, which is why he is not in the squad,” Deschamps said.

France will face Israel in an away fixture on October 10, which has been moved to Budapest due to security concerns in the Middle East. They will then travel to Brussels to take on Belgium on October 14.

The absence of Mbappe is a significant blow to France’s hopes of success in the Nations League. The team has three points after their first two outings in Group A2, which is topped by Italy with six points.

Deschamps also announced the retirement of vice-captain Antoine Griezmann from international football earlier this week. Griezmann, who has won 137 caps for France, made the decision at the age of 33.

“He had such an impact that we can’t play in the same way,” Deschamps said of losing Griezmann. “I am not necessarily going to change the system, but I am not going to look for an equivalent player.”

Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku, who has not played for France since June last year, has been recalled to the squad. However, midfielder N’Golo Kante has also been left out.

Categories: Football

Harry Kane Celebrates 100th England Cap with Stunning Brace

By Nilay September 11, 2024 0

Harry Kane’s remarkable career reached a new milestone as he celebrated his 100th England cap with a stunning brace against Finland in the Nations League. The Tottenham Hotspur striker’s goals sealed a 2-0 victory for the Three Lions at Wembley Stadium.

Kane’s first goal came in the 58th minute, as he received a pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold and unleashed a blistering strike that cannoned into the net off the underside of the crossbar. His second goal followed in the 76th minute, with Noni Madueke setting up the striker for a clinical finish from close range.

The goals marked Kane’s 68th and 69th for England, moving him closer to Wayne Rooney’s record of 120. Kane is now the third England player to score on their 100th appearance, joining Rooney and Bobby Charlton.

England’s interim manager, Lee Carsley, praised Kane’s performance, saying, “His finishing is very good, even in training. It’s not a surprise when he scores goals as his habits are so good.”

Carsley also oversaw a 2-0 victory against Ireland in his first game in charge on Saturday, making him the first England manager to win his first two competitive games since Fabio Capello in 2008.

Carsley’s attacking game-plan has been a stark contrast to his predecessor Gareth Southgate’s conservative tactics. The former England Under-21 coach gave a first Three Lions start to Lille midfielder Angel Gomes, who made a solid impact, while Chelsea winger Madueke set up Kane’s second goal after coming off the bench for his debut.

Kane’s performance was a reminder of his enduring quality and his ability to inspire his teammates. The striker has shown no signs of slowing down, and he remains one of the most feared forwards in world football.

Categories: Football

Italy Fans Protest Israel’s National Anthem in Hungary

By Nilay September 10, 2024 0

Italy Fans Protest Israel’s National Anthem in Hungary

During a Nations League match in Hungary, approximately 50 Italy fans clad in black staged a protest by turning their backs and holding up an Italian flag emblazoned with the word “Liberta” (Freedom). The fans also displayed banners with black slashes, a symbol of their opposition.

The protest stems from Israel’s decision to relocate its home games to Hungary due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who maintains close ties with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has promoted Hungary as a safe haven for Jews in Europe. Orbán has also banned Palestinian solidarity protests, citing concerns about public safety.

The same group of Italy fans who protested during the anthem also chanted against Italian anti-fascist activist Ilaria Salis during the first half. Salis was recently released from house arrest in Budapest after facing charges for allegedly assaulting far-right demonstrators. Her release came after she was elected to the European Parliament as a member of the Italian Green and Left Alliance.

Salis has become a polarizing figure in Italy, with images of her handcuffed and shackled in a Hungarian courtroom sparking outrage.

The Israel-Italy match was held at Bozsik Arena in Budapest, while Belgium’s 3-1 victory over Israel on Friday took place in Debrecen, Hungary. The Belgian soccer federation had previously stated that no local authority in Belgium felt it was safe to host a game against Israel due to security concerns.

Italy is scheduled to host Israel in Udine on October 14, but the city council has not endorsed the match. A pro-Palestinian protest has been planned for the same day in Udine.

Categories: Football

Italy Soar to Top of Nations League Group with Israel Victory

By Nilay September 10, 2024 0

Italy’s resurgence continued on Monday as they secured a hard-fought 2-1 Nations League victory over Israel in Budapest. The Azzurri, seeking redemption after their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, now sit atop Group A2 with a perfect six points.

Davide Frattesi opened the scoring in the 38th minute, capitalizing on Federico Dimarco’s precise cross. Israel had a golden opportunity to equalize just after halftime, but Sagiv Jehezkel squandered a close-range chance.

Moise Kean sealed the victory for Italy in the 62nd minute, scoring his first international goal in nearly three years. Mohamed Abu Fani’s late strike for Israel proved to be a mere consolation.

Luciano Spalletti’s team has responded admirably to their Euro 2024 disappointment, showcasing a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Their victory over Israel, coupled with France’s triumph over Belgium, has propelled them to the summit of their group.

The match was played in a subdued atmosphere at the Bozsik Arena, with only 2,000 fans in attendance due to security concerns in Israel. A small group of Italy supporters turned their backs to the pitch during Israel’s national anthem, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.

Despite the subdued atmosphere, Italy controlled the tempo of the game and deserved their victory. They will now look to maintain their momentum when they face England in a friendly on Friday.

Categories: Football

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

By Nilay September 10, 2024 0

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.

Categories: Football

San Marino Ends 20-Year Winless Streak with Historic Victory

By Nilay September 6, 2024 0

San Marino, the perennial underdogs of international football, etched their name in history on Thursday by securing their first-ever competitive victory. The tiny nation, nestled within the heart of Italy, stunned Liechtenstein 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League, ending a remarkable 140-game winless streak that had spanned over two decades.

The match at San Marino’s Stadio Olimpico was a tale of resilience and determination for the home side. Liechtenstein, ranked 195th in the FIFA rankings, had the better of the chances in the first half, but a disallowed goal for offside kept the scores level.

The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute when San Marino capitalized on a defensive lapse by Liechtenstein. Nicko Sensoli, a 19-year-old forward, pounced on a loose ball and fired home the historic goal. The stadium erupted in jubilation as the team celebrated their long-awaited triumph.

San Marino’s victory is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the players and the unwavering support of their fans. Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the world, they refused to be defined by their past failures. Their recent string of draws in friendly matches against Seychelles, Saint Lucia, and Saint Kitts and Nevis had hinted at a growing confidence within the squad.

The win against Liechtenstein is a watershed moment for San Marino. It marks the end of a painful chapter in their footballing history and signals a new era of hope and optimism. The team’s performance in the UEFA Nations League, where they are grouped with Liechtenstein and Gibraltar, will be closely watched as they aim to build on their historic victory.

Categories: Football

Ronaldo’s 900th Goal Powers Portugal to Nations League Victory

By Nilay September 6, 2024 0

Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name into footballing history on Thursday, scoring his 900th career goal to lead Portugal to a 2-1 victory over Croatia in their Nations League opener.

The 39-year-old superstar reached the milestone in the 34th minute, tapping in from close range after a perfect cross from Nuno Mendes. The goal was a testament to Ronaldo’s enduring brilliance and his ability to find the back of the net even at the twilight of his career.

Portugal had taken an early lead through Diogo Dalot, who fired home in the seventh minute after a clever pass from Bruno Fernandes. However, Dalot’s night took a turn for the worse when he deflected a sliding effort from Borna Sosa into his own net four minutes from the break, giving Croatia a lifeline.

Despite Croatia’s late surge, Portugal held on for a hard-fought victory. The win gives them a strong start to their Nations League campaign, as they look to defend their title.

In the other League A Group 1 game, Poland edged out Scotland 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. The Poles took the lead through Robert Lewandowski, but Scotland fought back to level the scores. However, Poland ultimately prevailed, with goals from Arkadiusz Milik and Krzysztof Piatek securing the victory.

Portugal will host Scotland on Sunday, while Croatia will entertain Poland. Both matches promise to be exciting affairs, as the teams look to make their mark in the Nations League.

Categories: Football

England Ruled Out of Nations League Matches

By Nilay September 4, 2024 0

Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Ollie Watkins have been ruled out of England’s upcoming Nations League matches due to injuries and illness. The trio will miss the games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland, which will be England’s first under interim manager Lee Carsley.

Chelsea’s Palmer, who scored in England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, has returned to his club with an injury. Aston Villa striker Watkins has also returned to his club with an injury. Manchester City forward Foden did not join up with Carsley’s squad due to illness.

The match against Ireland will be England’s first since Gareth Southgate’s eight-year reign as manager ended. Carsley has been placed in temporary charge and has given Noni Madueke, Morgan Gibbs-White, Tino Livramento, and Angel Gomes their first call-ups.

England will face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on Saturday before hosting Finland at Wembley three days later in League B. No further additions are planned to the squad at this time, according to the English Football Association.

The absence of Foden, Palmer, and Watkins is a blow to Carsley, who will be looking to make a positive start to his tenure as interim manager. The trio are all key players for their respective clubs and would have been expected to play a major role in England’s upcoming matches.

Despite the setbacks, Carsley will be confident that his team can get positive results against Ireland and Finland. England have a strong squad, and Carsley will be hoping to get the best out of his players in his first games in charge.

Categories: Football

Ronaldo Retains Portugal Place Despite Euro Disappointment

By Nilay August 30, 2024 0

Cristiano Ronaldo’s unwavering commitment to the Portugal national team remains steadfast despite his underwhelming performance at Euro 2024. The 39-year-old legend has been included in the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Croatia and Scotland, signaling the continued faith of coach Roberto Martinez.

Ronaldo’s inclusion comes after a disappointing Euro campaign where he failed to find the back of the net. However, his recent form for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he has scored four goals in four games, has bolstered his case for a starting role.

With Paris Saint-Germain striker Goncalo Ramos sidelined by an ankle injury, Ronaldo is expected to lead the Portugal attack. The veteran forward has expressed his determination to continue representing his country, stating, “When I quit the national team, I won’t tell anyone in advance… At the moment what I want is to be able to help the Selecao.”

Martinez is also looking to the future with the inclusion of 17-year-old Sporting Lisbon winger Geovany Quenda. The young talent joins Chelsea left-back Renato Veiga and Lille defender Tiago Santos as new faces in the squad.

The squad also features experienced players such as Ruben Dias, Joao Palhinha, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva. Martinez will be hoping that the blend of youth and experience can guide Portugal to success in the upcoming Nations League matches.

Categories: Football

Belgium Squad Announced for Nations League Matches, De Bruyne and Lukaku Absent

Mbappe Omitted from France Squad for Nations League Matches

Harry Kane Celebrates 100th England Cap with Stunning Brace

Italy Fans Protest Israel’s National Anthem in Hungary

Italy Soar to Top of Nations League Group with Israel Victory

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

San Marino Ends 20-Year Winless Streak with Historic Victory

Ronaldo’s 900th Goal Powers Portugal to Nations League Victory

England Ruled Out of Nations League Matches

Ronaldo Retains Portugal Place Despite Euro Disappointment

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