Israel Defeat Belgium, But Relegation From Nations League’s Top Tier Confirmed

Israel secured a late 1-0 victory over Belgium, but it was not enough to avoid relegation from the Nations League’s top tier.

Debutant Yarden Shua scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute, tapping in a loose ball into the bottom corner after good work from Dia Saba.

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However, Israel’s win fell short of the 3-0 scoreline they needed to relegate Belgium instead. Both teams finished with four points from six matches, but Belgium secured third place due to their superior head-to-head record, following a 3-1 win over Israel in September.

Belgium, who were once ranked number one in the FIFA world rankings in February 2022, will now face a two-legged relegation play-off in March against a team from Group B to stay in the top tier.

The match, held at the Bozsik Arena in Budapest, Hungary, was played due to the ongoing conflict in Israel. Reports indicated that only 600 tickets were sold for the game, which was played in dense fog.

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Belgium started strong, with Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard testing Israel’s goalkeeper Daniel Peretz twice. Israel began to find their rhythm as Eli Dasa hit the post and Dor Peretz forced a save from Koen Casteels.

Substitute Johan Bakayoko nearly put Belgium ahead with a shot tipped over the bar, before Israel netted the only goal of the match, claiming their sole victory of the Nations League campaign.

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