UEFA Nations League 2022: Belgium thrash Poland and Ukraine tops Ireland
Belgium thrashed Poland in their second UEFA Nations League match 6-1. The hosts reversed the form in the second half as their attack strengthened, resulting in an easy win for the Belgians
Thierry Henry assistant coach of the Belgian TeamBelgium began with high energy, but Michy Batshuayi's shot hit the post, and his subsequent goal was disallowed in the first five minutes. Poland took their time to set up a steady attacking front as their strikers inched closer to a goal until Robert Lewandowski made an adequate attempt resulting in a half-volley after 28 minutes. However, their joy was short-lived because the home team caught up shortly before half-time as Timothy Castagne's clean pass was steered in by Axel Witsel, who converted to equalise the score.
The goal created momentum and a surge in Belgium's performance, with Eden Hazard breaking the polish defence to set up Kevin De Bruyne as he struck from inside the box in the 59th minute. Substitute Leandro Trossard then scored a brace, with his second one arriving minutes into the game. In the 83rd minute, a long-range shot from Leander Dendoncker followed by Openda's first goal for his country that was scored during stoppage time earned them a comprehensive win.
After a disheartening defeat against the Netherlands, Belgium made a strong comeback; However, the defenders fumbled every once in a while, causing Lewandowski to convert in the first half, they took control of the game shortly after, and the likes of Castagne and De Bruyne posed a constant threat to the opponent.
Ukraine beat Ireland 1-0
The Republic of Ireland has been performing poorly in the Nations League, and once again, they lost to Ukraine 1-0. Stephen Kenny's side suffered two defeats in the last few days. Viktor Tsigankov's 48th-minute free-kick was the difference between the two sides. The Irish increased their focus towards the end. Ukraine didn't budge and amassed three points in this League B encounter. The two countries have never faced each other at the senior international level. Irish fans exhibited a strong sense of solidarity with Ukraine for the war waged against them.
Shane Duffy fails to score; Ukrainian subs steal the show
Ireland was close to equalising in the second half, but Shane Duffy's 52nd-minute header couldn't get past the goalkeeper. Ukraine repeatedly maintained their attacking pace, testing Irish goalkeeper Kelleher. Egan then exited the game due to an injury, to be replaced by Dara O'Shea. Michael Obafemi, James McClean and Alan Browne were also sent to shore up the attacking. Shane Duffy missed a crucial shot in the 74th minute and again in the 81st minute. Obafemi's terrific game and his centre-forward skills enhanced Ukraine's defence.McClean's whipped in a free kick in the 88th minute, but Shane Duffy again fumbled.
Ireland has played 12 matches without registering a single win. Kenny's side lost their second consecutive match in this edition of the Nations League and now plays against Scotland on Saturday.