- 31′ – Yellow – Timothy Castagne
- 37′ – Cont. Leandro Trossard by Johan Bakayoko
- 61′ – Substitution. Mohammad Abu Fani by Omri Gandelman
- 61′ – Cont. Dean David by Dia Saba
- 67′ – Cont. Arthur Vermeeren by Albert Sambi Lokonga
- 73′ – Geel – Lois Openda
- 74′ – Cont. Dor Peretz by Yarden Shua
- 74′ – Verv. Eli Dasa door Dolev Haziza
- 76′ – Yellow – Raz Shlomo
- 84′ – Geel – Johan Bakayoko
- 86′ – Goal – Yarden Shua (1 – 0)
- 88′ – Verv. Oscar Gloukh plays Ethane Azoulay
- 90+3′ – Yellow – Mahmoud Jaber
- 90+3′ – Verv. Ameen Al-Dakhil by Killian Sardella
- 90+3′ – Cont. Arne Engels by Norman Bassette
UEFA Nations League – matchday 6 – 17/11/24 – 20:45
| time | icon | player | homeTime | homeIcon | homePlayer | score | awayPlayer | awayIcon | awayTime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| goal by Yarden Shua after 86′, 1 – 0 |
So the bottom had not yet been reached. The Red Devils also delivered yet another disappointing performance against Israel. Due to a mistake by the debuting Matte Smets, the Belgians even lost against the weak brother in the group. How much will this loss be blamed on the national coach during his evaluation?
For the optimists, first the good news: Belgium will not be relegated directly from the top division of the Nations League and will play play-offs in March for retention.
The big question: will that still be with Domenico Tedesco?
Because the fact that the Belgians held on to their third place in Budapest was also the only boost against Israel.
Once again the performance was particularly poor against the weak brother from the group. Okay, the national coach had to make do with an emergency team that consisted of a midfield that in theory could still end up with the promises, but it could still be a bit more.
The Devils started well with a few small chances in the opening quarter and a near-penalty on Openda, but then Israel actually took over command.
Dasa first hit the post and afterwards it took two excellent Casteels to avoid falling behind. The second option in particular was one that a high-level striker always puts in, but Peretz did not punish a slider from Faes. In the closing minutes of the first half, David also scored again (from offside?) at the intersection.
Tedesco breathed a sigh of relief. Only the lack of fans in the foggy Bozsik Arena saved the Devils from a flute concert.
Fascinating end of the year
After rest it was less bad for a long time, but it was not really better either.
The Devils would not give away any more big chances and came close to scoring twice. Openda shot wide, Bakayoko saw a deflected attempt saved by the Israeli goalkeeper.
Was that it, a dismal 0-0 in the fog?
No. Things would get a bit worse for Tedesco and co. Because the debuting Smets gave a terrible play-in pass in the final minutes, which Israel punished without mercy.
In a dramatic calendar year – with barely one victory in the Nations League and a sad European Championship – the bottom had not yet been reached.
One thing is certain: it will be a very exciting end of the year in the offices of the Belgian Football Association. With the evaluation of Domenico Tedesco as the main file.
Will he still be our national coach in 2025?
End
A painful 1-0 defeat against number 81 in the FIFA rankings, after another dismal performance. It was a painful evening for the Red Devils in Budapest. A blunder by debutant Smets in the final phase was mercilessly punished by Shua, giving Israel its only victory in this Nations League campaign. The Red Devils return to Belgium with many worries. Jump-off matches for retention in Division A of the Nations League await in March. The question remains whether that will still be with Domenico Tedesco.
Bassette can also make his debut from Tedesco and Sardella will also get some playing time. Engels and Al-Dakhil can rest.
First victory for Israel
Israel is moving closer to its first victory in this Nations League campaign. The Israelis have 4 points, just like the Devils, but the Belgians remain third and thus avoid direct relegation. Unless the home team scores twice more in extra time.
An extra 4 minutes will be added.
Openda up close next to
There is immediately the answer from the Belgians! Lukebakio is sent away on the right and brings the ball low in front of goal. Openda appears well at the first post, but he cannot frame his shot.
Blunder Smets punished mercilessly!
What a dramatic debut for Smets! He simply hands the ball in at the back and Israel exploits that to the fullest. Saba can still be blocked in the box, but Shua does score in the restart. The Red Devils are actually on their way to defeat.
Yellow for Bakayoko
Bakayoko hits Faber full in the face, but ref Gishamer lets play continue. Bakayoko can take a big shot from just outside the box, but Peretz stands firm. Gishamer returns to the phase and gives Bakayoko the yellow card.
Domenico Tedesco puffs his jaws out. Does the national coach already see the mood brewing? In any case, it will be a Nations League campaign to quickly forget for the Red Devils.
