Anthony Gordon (centre) is hugged by Jude Bellingham (right) after scoring a goal in England’s victory over Ireland in the Nations League. In London, on November 17, 2024
Adrian Dennis
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European runners-up England breathed a sigh of relief after sealing their promotion to the first category of the UEFA Nations League by beating Ireland 5-0, this Sunday in a sixth and final matchday in which France managed to finish as leader of its group A2.
The French visited the Italians, in a duel between two greats already classified for the quarterfinals. Only the leadership was in contention, as well as prestige, and the ‘Bleus’ took the lead with a 3 to 1 in Milan.
In another of the hot spots of the day, Erling Haaland’s Norway was promoted by winning group B3 thanks to its 5-0 victory over Kazakhstan, with a hat-trick included by the Manchester City giant, and above all due to Austria’s setback, which depended of itself but could not get past the draw at home (1-1) against Slovenia.
England interim manager Lee Carsley ahead of victory against Ireland in the Nations League and promotion to the top division. In London, on November 17, 2024
Adrian Dennis
“I’m not going to deny that this is a relief,” England’s interim coach, Lee Carsley, admitted to the BBC after the 5-0 win over the Irish at Wembley.
Carsley completed the assigned mission before the German Thomas Tuchel takes office on January 1, 2025.
The European runners-up finished with 15 points, the same as Greece, whose 2-0 victory this Sunday in Finland turned out to be useless as they lost the particular goal difference with respect to the Three Lions team.
England had made their promotion very difficult when they lost at home (2-1) against Greece in October, but last Thursday they managed to beat that rival 2-0 in Athens, thus regaining control in the classification and managing to depend on themselves this Sunday to achieve the goal.
A penalty changed everything in the second half: Irishman Liam Scales was sent off and Harry Kane scored next, opening the scoring in the 53rd minute. Then came goals from Anthony Gordon (55), Conor Gallagher (58), Jarrod Brown (75) and Taylor Harwood-Bellis (79).
Adrien Rabiot (center, profile) celebrates with Lucas Digne his goal in France’s victory in Italy in the Nations League. In Milan (northern Italy), on November 17, 2024
Alberto PIZZOLI
In the first category, Milan was the point of interest of the day with the clash between the Italians and the French, both already classified for the quarterfinals but with the lead at stake.
France needed to win by at least two goals difference to achieve the objective and they achieved it, with a 3 to 1 that left an Italy that had previously believed it had first place in its pocket frozen.
The two teams finished with 13 points, but France had a better goal difference, which will allow them to avoid the other group champions in the quarterfinals.
“What we have done against this Italian team, in all aspects, makes me very proud. Especially three days after a game where our effectiveness failed us [empate 0-0 ante Israel el jueves]”, celebrated the French coach, Didier Deschamps.
Adrien Rabiot, with a double (2 and 65), opened and closed the scoring. The other French goal was by a goal against goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario (33), while the only Azzurra goal was scored by Andrea Cambiaso in the 35th.
For its part, Belgium, eliminated from the title race since Thursday, lost 1-0 this Sunday in Budapest against Israel. Despite the new disappointment, the Belgians managed to maintain third place, which will see them compete in a playoff for permanence in March.
Israel needed to win by three goals to give the Belgians the bottom spot, which condemns them to automatic relegation to League B.
Erling Haaland celebrates one of his goals in Norway’s victory against Kazakhstan in the Nations League. In Oslo, November 17, 2024
Terje Pedersen
Erling Haaland was another of Sunday’s stars in the ‘Nations League’, with a hat trick to lead Norway to its 5-0 victory over Kazakhstan.
The Norwegians did not depend on themselves. They needed to win and for Austria not to do the same in their match in Vienna against their neighbor Slovenia.
The Austrians were winning for almost the entire game thanks to Romano Schmid’s goal in the 27th minute. In the 81st minute everything changed, with Slovenia’s equalizer thanks to Adam Gnezda Cerin, who made it 1-1 that ended up being final.
The goal was greatly celebrated in Oslo, where Norway already dominated 5-0, a victory that until the Slovenian draw was of no use to the Scandinavians.
In what ways could France’s victory over Italy influence their preparations for upcoming international matches?
1. What were the main takeaways from England’s victory against Ireland in the Nations League? How did it impact their position in the competition?
2. How did France fare against Italy in the same competition? What were the key moments that led them to top their group?
3. Erling Haaland’s hat-trick helped Norway secure their place in the Nations League. Discuss the significance of this victory and the circumstances surrounding it.
4. How do you think the Nations League has changed the international football landscape? Has it made the sport more competitive or has it taken away from traditional tournaments like the World Cup?
5. Looking ahead, which teams do you predict will perform well in the upcoming European Championships and why?
