The Israeli national team defeated the Belgian national team with a score of 1-0 in the 2024/2025 UEFA Nations League match held at the Boszik Arena, Budapest, Monday (11/18/2024).
Israel’s only winning goal over Belgium was scored by Yarden Shua at the end of the second half.
Thanks to this result, Belgium and Israel now both have 4 points and are ranked third and fourth respectively in Group 2 League A standings.
Israel and Belgium both played openly from the start. Both also created a number of opportunities. Belgium dominated possession of the ball for more than 69 percent throughout the match, but they struggled to convert it into goals. Effectiveness in front of goal is a major problem for Domenico Tedesco’s squad.
Not only that, the team coached by Domenico Tedesco was also able to release 12 shots with 4 of them aimed right at the home team’s goal.
However, Israel with its counter-attack strategy managed to play effectively and steal a goal. Yarden Shua became the only goal scorer in this match.
Belgium’s first threat occurred in the 9th minute through Leandro Trossard. His shot from outside the penalty box was still blocked.
Israel almost took the lead in the 23rd minute if only Eli Dasa’s shot had not hit the goalpost.
Israel had a few more chances, but their finishing touch was lacking precision. The first half ended goalless.
Entering the second half, Belgium, which was not strengthened by a number of its key players such as Kevin De Bruyne to Romelu Lukaku, still had difficulty breaking the deadlock.
Israel’s attack deadlock continued, at least in the early minutes. Belgium goalkeeper Koen Casteels also performed well, thwarting the host’s golden opportunity.
Instead of scoring a goal, Belgium actually had to concede in the 86th minute due to Shua’s goal. The score of 1-0 for Israel’s victory lasted until the end of the match.
With this result, Belgium failed to add any points and finished in third place in Group 2 of the UEFA Nations League A with four points. This defeat is a serious warning for Belgium who failed to take advantage of their dominance of the game to win.
They are only ahead on goal difference over Israel who were relegated to League B. Meanwhile, Belgium will play in a relegation play-off. A farewell gift for the hosts who had to accept the bitter reality of being relegated to League B next season.
