Italy’s triumph was ensured in the 11th minute by Tonali, who stood at the end of a beautiful combination and just sent the ball into an empty goal. The Newcastle midfielder scored in a competitive match after 460 days, scoring in the national team for the first time in his career. Tonali returned to the turf in September after serving a 10-month betting ban.
The “Squadra Azzurra” have only lost in a home draw against today’s opponent so far and have three points more than France, with whom they will face on Sunday for first place in the group. Belgium also needs at least a draw against Israel in order to avoid direct relegation and play at least a playoff to stay in the elite level of the League of Nations.
The match between France and Israel took place in Paris under tight security in response to violence in Amsterdam, where at least ten Israelis were injured a week ago after a Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel Aviv. The Stade de France for 80,000 people was not even a quarter full today. Israel earned the first point in the group thanks to a surprise draw.
England overcame Greece’s 1-2 home defeat in October and moved ahead of them at the top of the table with a better head-to-head record after a 3-0 win. Watkins’ early strike was followed by an own goal by home goalkeeper Vlachodimos in the 78th minute, and Jones, who made his debut in the national team, closed the scoring. Slavia Prague midfielder Zafeiris, who played the entire match, did not help the home team to a better result either.
In the same group B, Finland remains without a point, in whose lineup the Spartan midfielder Kairinen was not missing. The northerners lost 0:1 in Ireland today, the only goal was scored by Ferguson after the change of sides.
In group B3, in the last round, Austria and Norway will compete for first place. Austria won 2:0 in Kazakhstan, which did not score a goal even in the fifth game. Norway won 4:1 in Slovenia. For the home side, Šeško only scored from a penalty, but in the Gunners’ duel, Haaland, who also scored once, celebrated on the other side. Two goals were scored by his teammate Nusa.
