Yarden Shua’s Late Goal Leads Israel to Victory Over Belgium, But Relegation Looms

Posted : 18 November 2024

Israel secured a 1-0 victory over Belgium in Budapest on Sunday, with debutant Yarden Shua scoring the winning goal in the 86th minute. Shua, who had come on as a second-half substitute, capitalized on a defensive error from Belgium’s Matte Smets to score Israel’s first win in Nations League Group A2. However, despite the victory, Israel could not avoid relegation from the top tier, finishing level on four points with third-placed Belgium but ultimately finishing bottom due to their head-to-head disadvantage, after Belgium won 3-1 in September.

Shua's goal came following a mistake by Smets, who had misplayed a pass across his own penalty area. The ball was intercepted by Dia Saba, whose shot was blocked, allowing Shua to pounce on the loose ball and fire it home. Despite the win, Israel had several other near-misses, including two shots that struck the woodwork in the first half. The team’s solid defensive display and resilient performance ensured that they fought hard against Belgium, who dominated possession in a fog-filled Bozsik Arena.

Belgium, despite a possession advantage, struggled to break down Israel’s defense. They fielded a depleted squad, missing key players such as Romelu Lukaku, Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, and Kevin De Bruyne, with Leandro Trossard also limping off in the first half. Belgium’s recent poor form, which has seen them win just twice in their last 10 matches, has increased pressure on their coach, Domenico Tedesco. The defeat to Israel, coupled with their lackluster performance in the Nations League, has intensified scrutiny over his future with the team.

Israel’s performance was particularly impressive given their challenging circumstances, having hosted all their Nations League matches in Hungary due to security concerns at home. Although Belgium controlled the game early on, Israel showed their threat through quick counterattacks. They came close to scoring in the first half, with captain Eli Dasa’s powerful volley hitting the post and Din David’s shot from a tight angle striking the crossbar just before the break. Despite the defeat, Israel’s four points from their final two matches, including a goalless draw against France, gave them a morale boost.

Yarden Shua’s Late Goal Leads Israel to Victory Over Belgium, But Relegation Looms

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics