UEFA Nations League:

Germany in the Last Eight, France and Italy Secure Wins

Sports Desk

15 Oct 2024, 08:22

Photo: Collected

On Monday (October 14), high-voltage action unfolded in the UEFA Nations League, with Germany taking on the Netherlands. At the Allianz Arena, Germany secured a 1-0 victory over the Dutch, booking their spot in the quarterfinals. In another thrilling encounter, France defeated Belgium 2-1, dealing a blow to Belgium’s hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals.

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Germany 1-0 Netherlands
Despite the hype, the game didn’t quite live up to its billing in terms of intensity. Playing at home, Germany dominated possession but failed to find the net in the first half. The breakthrough came in the 64th minute when Jamie Leweling, making his debut for the national team, scored the decisive goal.

With three wins and a draw from four matches, Germany now tops Group 3 of League A with 10 points. The Netherlands sit in second place with 5 points. In another match from the same group, Hungary defeated Bosnia 2-0.

Belgium 1-2 France
The Belgium vs. France game was a thrilling contest with end-to-end action. Belgium had an early chance to take the lead in the 23rd minute, but Youri Tielemans missed a penalty, shooting over the bar.

France capitalized on this missed opportunity, with Randal Kolo Muani converting a penalty in the 35th minute to put the visitors ahead. However, Belgium equalized just before halftime when Loïs Openda headed in a cross from Castagne in the third minute of added time.

The second half remained equally intense, and France reclaimed the lead in the 62nd minute. Muani headed in his second goal of the match from a Disasi cross, marking his sixth goal for France this year. Despite Belgium's efforts to equalize, they failed to find the back of the net. Belgium has now gone without a competitive win against France since September 1981.

Italy 4-1 Israel
Italy continued their impressive form in the Nations League, remaining unbeaten under manager Luciano Spalletti. Playing at home, Italy dismantled Israel with a commanding 4-1 victory.

Mateo Retegui opened the scoring in the 41st minute, and Giovanni Di Lorenzo doubled the lead in the 54th minute. Israel pulled one back through Dean David in the 66th minute, but Italy quickly responded. Davide Frattesi made it 3-1 in the 73rd minute, and Di Lorenzo added his second goal of the night in the 79th minute to seal the win.

With this victory, Italy remains at the top of Group 2 in League A, followed by France in second place.

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