Italy’s Victory Over Belgium Guarantees France’s Progress; England Tops Group After Win in Greece
Italy clinched a Nations League quarterfinal berth with a 1-0 win over Belgium on Thursday, a result that also confirmed France’s advancement despite their goalless draw with Israel in a security-heavy match in Paris. Meanwhile, England’s emphatic win over Greece under Lee Carsley placed them atop Group B2 on goal difference.
In Brussels, Italy displayed efficient play to edge Belgium in Group A2. Italy took control early, and after 11 minutes, Sandro Tonali tapped in following a deflected cross from Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Belgium’s Wout Faes nearly equalized with a header that struck the post, but Italy held on for the narrow win.
“We showed again that we give it a go and don’t just sit back in matches, that’s the big change,” Tonali said to RAI after the match.
In Paris, France faced Israel in a tense, scoreless affair. Under tight security, with 4,000 police present following fan clashes in Amsterdam last week, France struggled to break through Israel’s defense. Despite 25 attempts, only two efforts required serious saves from Israel’s Daniel Peretz. French captain N’Golo Kante forced the first save after 20 minutes, while late strikes from Warren Zaire-Emery and Christopher Nkunku were stopped. Jules Kounde summed up France’s feelings as “Anger. Frustration,” while coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged the team’s struggles against a highly defensive opponent.
France remains three points behind Italy but could still top the group if they win in Milan on Sunday.
In Athens, England’s interim manager Lee Carsley made a bold choice by benching Harry Kane. Ollie Watkins stepped in, quickly rewarding Carsley’s decision with an early goal, set up by Noni Madueke. England continued to pressure Greece with standout performances from Rico Lewis and Jude Bellingham, who hit the post and later forced a goal when his shot rebounded off the post and hit Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos. Curtis Jones added a third, sealing England’s spot at the top of their group.
“We’re moving in the right direction,” Carsley told ITV. “We have a lot of outstanding talent.”
In Group B3, Austria and Norway are neck and neck. Austria’s Christoph Baumgartner and Michael Gregoritsch led their team to a 2-0 win in Kazakhstan, while Norway, with Erling Haaland on the scoresheet, secured a 4-1 win over Slovenia. Both teams remain level on points, separated only by goal difference heading into the final group match.
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