PostedSeptember 22, 2022, 10:53 PM
FootballLeague of Nations: Croatia in the lead and a “final” Netherlands – Belgium
The Croats beat Denmark in Group 1 and France overcame Austria. In group 4, the last match will be decisive in Amsterdam.
Croatia took a big step towards the ‘Final Four’ of the Nations League by beating Denmark.
AFP
Croatia took a step towards the “Final Four” of the Nations League on Thursday, beating Denmark 2-1 in Group 1. First at kick-off, the Danes conceded a first goal because of Sosa , in the 49th minute. In the 77th, Eriksen brought his people back into the game, but two minutes later, Majer (79th) ensured victory for the Croats.
In the standings, Croatia has 10 points before its last match in Austria on Sunday, and Denmark follows by a length, before receiving France the same day (8:45 p.m.).
France, which dominated Austria 2-0 in Saint-Denis thanks to Kylian Mbappé and Olivier Giroud. The reigning world champions, who warded off the specter of relegation to the second division of the League of Nations, made the difference in the second half thanks to a personal achievement by Mbappé (56th) and the 49th achievement of ‘Olivier Giroud (65th), two units from the record held by Thierry Henry (51). Defender Jules Koundé, hit in the left thigh, and goalkeeper Mike Maignan, embarrassed in a calf, came out injured.
The Netherlands stay ahead
In Group 4, the Netherlands retained the lead by beating Poland (2-0) while Belgium beat Wales (2-1), keeping a chance to play the finals.
The Netherlands opened the scoring quickly through Cody Gakpo (14th), served by a cross from Denzel Dumfries, but struggled to convert their many chances in a one-sided first period. Steven Bergwijn doubled the bet (60th) following a one-two with Vincent Janssen.
The Belgians were carried by Kevin de Bruyne, author of a goal (11th) on a service from Michy Batshuayi, before himself offering a decisive pass to Batshuayi (38th) following a good job from Thomas Meunier. The Welsh managed to reduce the score by Kieffer Moore with a header (50th), and worried Belgium in the second period, without managing to equalize.
Belgium and the Netherlands will compete for the top of the group and qualification for the “Final Four” of the League of Nations when they meet on Sunday (8:45 p.m.) in Amsterdam.
(AFP/YDE)
