Nations League: Review - The Dutch win thanks to Virgil Van Dijk's header France fails to counter Christian Eriksen's brace

Second-placed Belgium had a decisive advantage over Louis van Gaal's side that needed to avoid defeat by three goals. The former had beaten Belgium 4-1 in the reverse fixture in June.

Liverpool defender Van Dijk met their needs after converting Cody Gakpo's corner after 73 minutes. The Dutch have not suffered a single defeat and are six points ahead of Belgium. 

Belgium's boss Roberto Martinez had termed the team's earlier defeat against the Netherlands an "a needed wake-up call" and said his side wanted to make things square.

The Netherlands were the table toppers of the Nations League Group A4, and Wales failed to qualify. After earning a touchline ban in Amsterdam, Martinez witnessed the game from the stands. 

After their win against Wales three days ago, Belgium tried to pressure the hosts, but Eden Hazard couldn't capitalise on Amadou Onana's efforts. The Dutch missed all their targets in an uneventful first half, but Belgium increased the pace after the break.

Remko Pasveer saved Onana's shot with a hand, after which Van Dijk worked his magic. However, Belgium's Dodi Lukebakio almost equalised with an overhead kick that struck the crossbar.

Belgium has failed to score for the first time in 50 matches, and the Netherlands will now walk into the World Cup with a 15-match unbeaten streak. 

Christian Eriksen gives his all as Denmark beat France 2-0

Reigning champions France persevered to avoid Nations League relegation despite losing to Denmark 2-0. They couldn't secure a place in next year's finals. France, on the other hand, finished a point above the relegated Austria. 

Denmark had to win and witness Croatia losing to Austria to enter the finals. The win was backed up by first-half goals by Kasper Dolberg and Andreas Skov Olsen, who scored in Copenhagen.

World champions France, triumphant in last year's Nations League final, won a match after four games and rose from the bottom of the group after beating Austria on Thursday.

Kylian Mbappe prompted Kasper Schmeichel to attack with a corner as France increased their momentum at Parken Stadium. Christian Eriksen handled the challenge, but Skov Olsen was flagged offside following an attempt. 

A brief moment of understanding between Eriksen and Mikkel Damsgaard created Dolberg's winning moment as the striker responded to a low cross that found the net. 

Alphonse Areola effectively deflected on target attempts by Joakim Maehle and Thomas Delaney, but Skov Olsen's volley doubled the lead. Denmark consequently failed to reserve a spot in the finals. 

Schmeichel managed to deny Mbappe three times while Kasper Hjulmand's side pulled through. However, Croatia emerged as the table's topper after their 3-1 win against Austria.