On the occasion of the 5th day of the group stage of the Nations League and in parallel with the poster opposing the French team to the Israeli selection, five matches took place this Thursday evening, from 8:45 p.m. In group 2 (that of the Blues), Italy, leader at kick-off, welcomed Belgium with the ambition of consolidating its first place. For this clash, Luciano Spalletti opted for 3-5-1-1 by aligning Barella in an advanced position behind Retegui. Opposite, the Red Devils of Domenico Tedesco were organized in 4-2-3-1 with the Engels-Onana duo in recovery. Appointed captain, Lukaku made his return to the forefront of the attack, supported by Openda, Trossard and De Cuyper. A shock that didn’t take long to settle…
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After a first foray from Frattesi, author of a beautiful half-volley with his right foot near the surface, the Transalpines opened the scoring. Opportunistic, Tonali took advantage of a cross from Di Lorenzo to deceive Casteels with his left foot (0-1, 11th). In control and facing the uninspired Belgians – despite a timid reaction from Trossard (23rd) – Italy dictated its law and logically took the lead at the break. Upon returning from the locker room, the match became livelier and the locals appeared more dangerous. If Debast stood out for the first time (50th), Trossard lacked precision (52nd) while Openda made Donnarumma shine (61st). Suffering, Italy still managed to maintain this short but precious advantage despite a new opportunity for Lukaku (79th) and a post from Faes (83rd).
Italy confirms, England wakes up, valuable victory for Norway
A victory (1-0) allowing the Nazionale to consolidate its first place before challenging the Blues for the shock of this group 2. For its part, Lee Carsley's England did not tremble to get rid of Greece . Defeated at home by this same selection during the last international break, the Three Lions have, this time, taken their revenge. Served behind by Madueke, Watkins threw his team perfectly (0-1, 7th). Dominant, England kept control of the leather without being dangerous. A sterile hold which finally gave confidence to Greece, close to equalizing with a shot from Tsmikias deflected by Pickford (32nd). Returning from the locker room, the English missed the break several times (54th, 55th) but also thanked Pickford, imperious on his line (64th).
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Solid at the end of the match, the British selection finally took cover with an own goal from Vlachodimos (0-2, 78th) then another achievement from Jones (0-3, 83rd). A great success offering first place in group 2 to the Three Lions. In the other evening matches, Finland, which missed a penalty during this match, lost against Ireland (0-1) in the same group 2 of path B. Opposed to Slovenia, the Norway, for its part, carried out the great operation of the evening by winning (4-1) thanks to a double from Nusa (4th, 59th) and two achievements from Haaland (45th) and Hauge (83rd). A victory allowing the Mancunian striker's teammates to recover 2nd place in group 3 of route B, just behind Austria. Finally, North Macedonia provided the essentials by winning against Latvia. A new success allowing Blagoja Milevski's men to consolidate their leadership position in group 4 of route C and thus ensure their promotion.
All results from 8:45 p.m.
Route A, group 2
France 0-0 Israel
Belgium 0-1 Italy : Tonali (11e)
Pathway B, group 2
Greece 0-3 England : Watkins (7e), Vlachodimos (78e, csc) and Jones (83e)
Ireland 1-0 Finland : Ferguson (45th)
Pathway B, group 3
Slovenia 1-4 Norway : Sesko (21st, sp) / Nusa (4th, 59th), Haaland (45th) and Hauge (83rd)
Pathway C, group 4
North Macedonia 1-0 Latvia : Serafimov (57e)
Pub. the 14/11/2024 22:39
– UPDATE 14/11/2024 22:45
