A big win for Belgium, which defeated Italy 2-0 on the road, while France beat Turkey 1-0 in Zidane’s debut.
League A – Group 1
France also got off to a strong start in the Zinedine Zidane era, defeating Turkey 1-0 on the road. The first half ended scoreless, with Les Bleus dominating play but failing to convert their chances into goals. That changed in the 54th minute, when Mbappé opened the scoring with a fine shot following a mistake by the opposing defense—though the scorer had to leave the field with an injury shortly afterward.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Spanish National Team: The Art of Not Resting on One’s Laurels
It’s getting better every… year for Italy, which, upon Roberto Mancini’s return, suffered a 2-0 home loss to Belgium, with Mark van Bommel making an outstanding debut. The Red Devils dominated the first half and took the lead with a superb goal by Goetz in the 20th minute, with Donnarumma then keeping his team in the game with a series of great saves. In the second half, the Azzurri were much more active, but they saw Lukebakio double the visitors’ lead with a tremendous shot in the 69th minute, sealing the final score.
Results
- Italy–Belgium 0–2
- Turkey–France 0–1
Standings
- Belgium 3 (2-0)
- France 3 (1-0
- Turkey 0 (0-1)
- Italy 0 (0-2)
Next Matchday (9/28)
- Belgium vs. France (9:45 p.m.)
- Turkey vs. Italy (9:45 p.m.)
League B – Group 2
Ukraine secured a 1-0 victory over Hungary in Budapest, getting off to a strong start in the Nations League. Sikan decided the match in the 42nd minute, with AEK’s Vitalis playing the first half for the Hungarians and Zubkov remaining on the bench for the winners.
Results
- Georgia–Northern Ireland 0–1
- Hungary-Ukraine 0-1
Standings
- Ukraine 3 (1-0)
- Northern Ireland 3 (1-0)
- Hungary 0 (0-1)
- Georgia 0 (0-1)
Next Matchday (9/28)
- Georgia vs. Ukraine (7:00 p.m.)
- Northern Ireland vs. Hungary (9:45 p.m.)
More to come shortly…
*photo source: KYPE
