October 11: UEFA Nations League match day review

The peak of the weekend saw some high profile clashes between some of the best footballing countries in the world. However, the results were surprising, to say the least. 

Let’s have a look at all the UEFA Nations League fixtures played yesterday to cap off this weekend of football. 

Results

• France 0-0 Portugal 
• Poland 0-0 Italy
• England 2-1 Belgium
• Scotland 1-0 Slovakia
• Norway 4-0 Romania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina 0-0 Netherlands 
• Republic of Ireland 0-0 Wales
• Iceland 0-3 Denmark
• Croatia 2-1 Sweden
• Northern Ireland 2-1 Austria
• Israel 1-2 Czech Republic 
• Russia 1-1 Turkey
• Serbia 0-1 Hungary
• Finland 2-0 Bulgaria 
• Armenia 2-2 Georgia
• Estonia 3-3 North Macedonia 
• Greece 2-0 Moldova
• Kosovo 0-1 Slovenia 
• Kazakhstan 0-0 Albania 
• Lithuania 2-2 Belarus

England 2-1 Belgium

The first half was a tale of two spot-kicks as England and the No. 1 squad in the world called it equal at the break. However, the Three Lions were much more dominant in the second half. 

Their defence was much more organised, and the forwards looked threatening on the break. Mason Mount grabbed the winner after a shot deflected by Toby Alderweireld’s foot dipped into the far post, giving Mignolet no chance to make a save. 

Although Belgium were missing many starters in the form of Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Dries Mertens to name a few, many of the regulars were there. 

This win is arguably the biggest one of Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England manager.

France 0-0 Portugal 

The most exciting clash of the week between the World Cup winners and the winners of the Nations League in 2018 ended in a 0-0 draw. 

Pepe almost snatched the game for the Portuguese, only for his header to be ruled out by the offside flag. 

Chances were aplenty, but despite the stars being deployed on both fronts, the stalemate was not broken in all of the 90 minutes. 

Norway 4-0 Romania

Alexander Sorloth was the only other scorer for Norway, apart from Erling Haaland who put three at the back of the net to take home the match ball. 

The Norwegian wonderkid has now scored six goals in just as many appearances for his country. An insane statistic, rivalled by very few. 

Glory awaits Erling Braut Haaland in the days to come, as he looks set for an illustrious career as one of the best goal-getters of the upcoming generation.

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