In the Red Devils group, France and Italy were already certain of the quarter-finals, but who was crowned group winner? The Italians seemed to have the best credentials, but if they won by two or more goals, the French would still take first place.
After just two minutes, Adrien Rabiot gave his team the lead with a striking header, and Lucas Digne added another just after the opening half hour. The left back curled a free kick beautifully past Guglielmo Vicario, who could only reach it with his fingertips.
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© AFP
© AFP
So the French were on roses, but the home team managed to respond almost immediately. A quick Italian attack was completed by Juve player Andrea Cambiasso: 1-2 at half time. The first chance for Les Bleus after the tea break was an immediate prize. Adrien Rabiot – again he – gave his country the group win, as there were no more goals afterwards despite some great chances.
England steamrolls over Ireland
England secured promotion to the top level in the B division of the Nations League on Sunday evening after a smooth 5-0 win against Ireland, which had to play with ten early in the second half.
After a poor first half, England managed to take the lead in the second half after a penalty violation and a second yellow card from Ireland defender Liam Scales. Specialist Harry Kane (53.) happily unwrapped the visitors’ gift and kicked the ball in flawlessly from the spot. The spring was subsequently broken by the Irish. Anthony Gordon (56.) and Conor Gallagher (58.) put the match into a decisive fold in just three minutes. Jarrod Bowen (76.) and debutant Taylor Harwood-Bellis (79.) (ex-Anderlecht) in turn ensured the 5-0 forfeit score.
Striking: four of the five goalscorers scored their very first goal for their country.
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Outstanding Tzolis
Due to the victory of the English, Greece has to settle for second place in group 2. The Greeks themselves won 0-2 against Finland after, among other things, a wonderful lob goal from Club Brugge player Christos Tzolis.
England ends the group stage of the Nations League as leader thanks to a better mutual result against number two Greece (both 15 pts). Ireland is third with 6 points, Finland has been relegated to the C division with 0 out of 18.
Haaland leads Norway to promotion with a hat trick, Nusa also scores
Norway recorded a resounding 5-0 win against Kazakhstan on Sunday on the final match day in the B division of the Nations League. Erling Haaland was once again the star with a hat trick for the Norwegians, who were crowned group winners in group 3 thanks to Austria’s 1-1 draw against Slovenia.
Star player Haaland (23 and 37) put the Norwegians on the right track in the first half with two goals, after which ex-Ghent player Alexander Sørloth (41) put the match into a decisive fold before half-time. After the break, Haaland (71.) completed his hat trick. The final score was for ex-Bruges player Antonio Nusa, who put the 5-0 final score on the board with a beautiful curl.
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Norway finishes as winners in Group 3 with 13 points. Austria (11 points) was sentenced to barrages after a 1-1 draw against Slovenia (8 points) to enforce promotion to the A division. Kazakhstan finishes last with a meager point.
Promotion to B division for North Macedonia and Armenia
In the C division of the Nations League, North Macedonia ended its group stage on Sunday with an economical 1-0 win against the Faeroe Islands.
After a goalless first half, Bojan Miovski (62.) scored the only goal of the game after the hour.
In the other match of group 4, Armenia won 1-2 in Latvia. Spertsyan (48.) and Miranyan (75.) accounted for the Armenian goals. On the other side, Uldrikis (71.) stood at the cannon.
North Macedonia (16 pts) ends as leader in group 4 with a street lead over first pursuer Armenia (7 pts) and is therefore promoted to the B division of the Nations League. The Faroe Islands (6 pts) and Latvia (4 pts) have to settle for third and fourth place.
What were the standout moments in Greece’s Nations League campaign that led to their second-place finish in group 2?
1. What were the key takeaways from Greece’s performance in the Nations League, particularly their second-place finish in group 2?
2. How did Erling Haaland’s hat trick impact Norway’s promotion and ultimately lead to victory against Kazakhstan?
3. Compared to other teams in group 3, what specific strategies or players propelled Austria to barrages and eventual promotion?
4. What challenges did North Macedonia face when competing against the Faeroe Islands and how did they overcome these obstacles to secure promotion?
5. In your opinion, what factors contributed to Armenia’s success in the Nations League and their eventual promotion from group 4?
