Leuven –
Belgium able to silence English in continued UEFA Nations League. De Rode Duivels won 2-0 at home.
Belgium will host England at the King Power At Den Dreef Stadium on the fifth matchday of League A Group 2 of the UEFA Nations League, Monday (16/11/2020) early morning WIB. The hosts broke the deadlock in the 10th minute.
Youri Tielemans continued Romelu Lukaku’s ball by releasing a hard kick from outside the penalty box. His strike hit one of the Three Lions’ defenders before sliding into Jordan Pickford’s net.
In the 25th minute, Belgium’s lead goes wide after scoring the second goal. This goal was created from a free kick opportunity in front of the English penalty box.
Dries Mertens who executed a free kick took off a kick that was so measured. Pickford was again beaten, Belgium away 2-0.
The 2-0 score for Belgium’s superiority lasted until the first half was complete.
After the break, England who were left behind appeared more attacking. The visitors spread threats in the 57th minute.
Mason Mount’s backheel feed frees Harry Kane in the penalty box. He immediately kicked off hard, but his effort was still right for Thibaut Courtois.
England coach Gareth Southgate brought on Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jadon Sancho in the second half to chase goals. Facing a wave of British attacks, the Belgian back line was able to appear disciplined.
This made it difficult for England to create dangerous opportunities despite dominating the match. Belgium even almost stole a goal in the 76th minute.
Through a quick counter-attack, Mertens’ bait from the left met Romelu Lukaku in front of goal. This opportunity failed to become a goal because Lukaku’s strike was brilliantly pushed over by Pickford.
In the remaining time, the two teams failed to score a goal. This makes it 2-0 for Belgium’s advantage to end the match.
The addition of three points makes Belgium firmly in the top of Group 2 standings with 12 points. They are two points ahead of Denmark in second.
Meanwhile, England is ranked third. They collect seven points within five points of Belgium
Lineups of Players
Belgium: Thibaut Courtois; Toby Alderweireld, Jason Denayer, Jan Vertonghen; Thomas Meunier, Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Thorgan Hazard; Dries Mertens (Dennis Praet 83 ‘), Romelu Lukaku. Kevin De Bruyne.
English: Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, Eric Dier, Tyrone Mings; Kieran Trippier (Jadon Sancho 70′), Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson (Harry Winks 46′), Ben Chilwell (Bukayo Saka 38′); Mason Mount (Dominic Calvert-Lewin 69′), Harry Kane, Jack Grealish.
Watch Video “UEFA Nations League: Belgium Brush Iceland 5-1“
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