Author: Barkha Roy
Azerbaijan – Belgium – 0:1
Yannick Carrasco managed to score a timely goal as injury-hit Belgium secured a 1-0 win over Azerbaijan in their European Championship qualifying Group F match on Saturday. That achievement took Belgium to the top of the group standings, ahead of Austria on goal difference, with a total of 10 points from four games.
Belgium started the game with an attacking mindset, as evidenced by Leandro Trossard’s attempt that hit the post after a well-executed pass from Romelu Lukaku. Despite Lukaku’s lack of club experience this season, he was in the starting line-up. However, Belgium struggled to create chances in a lacklustre first half.
However, the turning point came in the 38th minute in a very fortunate way. Johan Bakayoko’s long-range shot inadvertently hit Yannick Carrasco, catching the home goalkeeper off guard as the ball changed direction, resulting in an unexpected goal.
Belgium, without their first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and midfielder Kevin De Bruyne due to long-term injuries, showed determination in the final moments of the match. After making a few tactical substitutions, Jeremy Doku, Manchester City’s new signing, came close to scoring the second goal.
Ukraine – England – 1:1
On the other hand, England’s attempt to qualify for Euro 2024 was temporarily postponed with a 1-1 draw against Ukraine in Poland, putting an end to their perfect qualifying record.
In the early stages of the match, England controlled possession, but unexpectedly fell behind when Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko scored for Ukraine with his first shot on goal, following a move down the right flank. England managed to equalize just before half-time when Kyle Walker, making his 77th international appearance, scored his first international goal. The Manchester City defender found the back of the net in the box after a brilliant pass from Harry Kane that split the defense.
Despite an improved tempo in the second half and attempts on goal, such as Bukayo Saka’s shot that hit the crossbar and Harry Maguire’s, who missed several chances from set pieces, England were unable to find the decisive pass to secure the three points.
North Macedonia – Italy – 1:1
Meanwhile, North Macedonia captain Enis Bardhi made a remarkable free-kick that cancelled out Ciro Immobile’s header, resulting in a 1-1 draw for the home side against Italy in a Euro 2024 Group C qualifier on Saturday. That result marked a disappointing start for Luciano Spalletti as the new coach of the Italian national team.
The European champions, Italy, asserted their dominance throughout the match, and their captain, Immobile, scored a header just after half-time. This happened after Nicolo Barella’s attempt from distance hit the crossbar.
However, the home fans were thrilled when midfielder Bardhi equalized the game with a spectacular free-kick from outside the box. His shot went into the top right corner of the net in the 81st minute.
England are currently top of Group C (13 points from 5 games). Ukraine have 7 points after 4 games. Italy (3 games) and North Macedonia (4 games) share third place with 4 points each. Malta is in last place (0 points from 4 games). In the next round (this Tuesday), Italy will host Ukraine at San Siro.
In other matches
- Estonia – Sweden – 0:5
Group I
- Andorra – Belarus – 0:0
- Romania – Israel – 1:1
- Kosovo – Switzerland – 2:2