Belgium’s disappointing UEFA Nations League campaign ended in shocking fashion as Yarden Shua’s late goal secured a 1-0 win for Israel in Budapest. Despite dominating large parts of the game, the Red Devils failed to capitalize on their opportunities, leaving fans and analysts questioning the team’s direction under Domenico Tedesco.
Belgium’s Struggles Continue
Coming into the match, Belgium needed just a point to secure third place in Group A2 and avoid the promotion-relegation playoffs. However, the defeat against relegated Israel highlighted the ongoing issues in Tedesco’s side, following a narrow 1-0 loss to group leaders Italy just days earlier.
From the outset, Belgium appeared determined to end their campaign on a high note. Leandro Trossard had the first real chance of the game in the 10th minute with a well-struck free-kick, but Israeli goalkeeper Daniel Peretz was equal to the task, denying him with a brilliant save.
As the game progressed, Belgium’s inability to convert their dominance into goals became apparent. Despite a wealth of attacking talent, they struggled to break down a resolute Israeli defense.
Israel’s Resilience Pays Off
Israel, already relegated before the match, played with freedom and grew into the game. Eli Dasa came close to breaking the deadlock midway through the first half with a thunderous strike that rattled the post. Just before halftime, Dor Peretz nearly capitalized on Belgium’s defensive lapses, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
Israel’s determination and organization were evident as they frustrated Belgium’s attempts to control the game. The defensive midfield pairing of Mahmoud Jaber and Gadi Kinda played a pivotal role in disrupting Belgium’s flow, earning Jaber the Flashscore Man of the Match award.
Belgium Waste Opportunities
The second half saw Belgium push harder for a breakthrough. Lois Openda had a golden opportunity to put his side ahead just before the hour mark but missed the target, his effort skimming wide of the right post. Moments later, Dodi Lukebakio set up Johan Bakayoko for a promising shot, only for Peretz to make a stunning reflex save.
Belgium’s repeated failures in front of goal underlined their lack of clinical finishing, a recurring theme throughout the campaign. Despite boasting stars like Trossard, Lukebakio, and Openda, the Red Devils could not find the cutting edge needed to break down Israel’s disciplined defense.
Late Drama: Yarden Shua’s Heroics
The match took a dramatic turn in the 86th minute when Yarden Shua capitalized on a loose ball inside Belgium’s penalty area. The Israeli forward showed remarkable composure to slot the ball into the bottom-left corner, sending the Israeli fans in Budapest into raptures.
Although the victory was a morale boost for Israel, it wasn’t enough to save them from relegation. They finished bottom of Group A2, but their spirited performance provided a silver lining to an otherwise disappointing campaign.
Belgium Survives on Head-to-Head
Despite the loss, Belgium managed to avoid relegation, finishing third in Group A2 due to their superior head-to-head record against Israel, including a 3-1 win earlier in the campaign. However, their survival does little to mask the glaring issues within the squad.
This Nations League campaign will be remembered as a missed opportunity for Belgium, whose golden generation appears to be fading. While stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku were absent, the team’s inability to convert dominance into results raises questions about the next phase of Belgian football under Tedesco.
Defeat in Budapest. #ISRBEL #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/1qzGFUVP3S
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) November 17, 2024
What Went Wrong for Belgium?
- Lack of Clinical Finishing
Belgium created numerous chances but failed to capitalize. Openda’s missed opportunity and Trossard’s early free-kick are emblematic of their struggles in front of goal. - Defensive Vulnerabilities
Israel exposed Belgium’s backline on several occasions, particularly through Dasa and Peretz. The defense lacked cohesion and struggled to deal with counterattacks. - Midfield Imbalance
Without experienced players like De Bruyne, Belgium’s midfield lacked creativity and control, leaving the forwards isolated for much of the game. - Over-Reliance on Individual Brilliance
Belgium’s strategy often seemed to rely on moments of individual brilliance, rather than cohesive team play. This approach proved insufficient against a well-organized Israel side.
Israel’s Bright Spots
Despite their relegation, Israel’s performance offered reasons for optimism. Mahmoud Jaber’s commanding midfield display earned him the Man of the Match award, while goalkeeper Daniel Peretz made several crucial saves to keep his team in the game. Yarden Shua’s late heroics showcased Israel’s potential to compete at a higher level with better consistency.
Looking Ahead
For Belgium, this campaign signals the need for a reset. With Euro 2024 on the horizon, Tedesco must address the team’s weaknesses and develop a more cohesive playing style. Integrating younger players and building a balanced squad will be critical for the Red Devils to regain their status as a European powerhouse.
Israel, meanwhile, can take heart from their spirited performance against a top-tier team. Rebuilding for the next Nations League campaign will be crucial, as they aim to bounce back from relegation and establish themselves as a competitive side in international football.
A Campaign to Forget for Belgium
Belgium’s 1-0 defeat to Israel encapsulated their disappointing Nations League campaign. While they avoided relegation, their inability to deliver consistent performances highlights significant areas for improvement. For Israel, the victory provided a bittersweet end to their campaign, offering hope for the future despite their drop to League B.
As both teams reflect on their Nations League journeys, one thing is clear: changes are needed if they are to achieve greater success in the coming years.
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