The curtain fell on the group stage of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League with a spectacular football spectacle that kept fans in suspense. France showed their mastery with a comfortable victory against Italy, while Israel produced a stunning result against Belgium, and England left no room for doubt with their emphatic victory over Ireland.
At the legendary San Siro, France emerged victorious with a convincing score of 3-1, securing first position in their group thanks to goal difference. It was Adrien Rabiot who opened the scoring by scoring with a header from a corner taken perfectly by Lucas Digne. Digne then doubled the French advantage with a magnificent free kick which hit the crossbar before deceiving the disoriented Italian goalkeeper.
Italy managed to respond when Andrea Cambiaso volleyed home a well-placed lofted pass from Federico Dimarco, reviving the home side’s hopes. However, France quickly extinguished any glimmer of revolt with a second goal from Rabiot, once again perfectly assisted by Digne. As both teams prepare for the quarter-finals, they will look forward to the draw in March.
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In a match that will be talked about for years to come, Israel surprised Belgium with a narrow 1-0 victory, achieving their first victory in the group. The first half was tense, with Israel hitting the post twice, while Belgium’s best chance came from an effort wide from Dodi Lukebakio.
Just when it looked like the match was heading for a draw, Shua took advantage of a chaotic moment in the Belgian box, producing a calm finish past goalkeeper Koen Casteels in the 86th minute. This historic triumph for Israel represents a remarkable achievement, while Belgium had to deal with the disappointment of concluding their group stage campaign without a win.
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At Wembley, England marked their return to the Nations League A with an explosive performance, demolishing Ireland 5-0. The first half was relatively even until a key moment when Ireland’s Liam Scales was sent off after receiving a red card. Harry Kane converted a penalty to break the deadlock, paving the way for successive goals from Anthony Gordon, Conor Gallagher, Jarrod Bowen and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Jude Bellingham was the star of the match, not only winning the penalty for Kane but also providing the final two assists. The dominant victory marks an encouraging start for England under Thomas Tuchel as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, while Ireland will focus on rebuilding going forward.
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Harry Kane ignites England’s 5-0 triumph over Ireland and advancement to the Nations League
