Israel secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgium in their final Nations League match, thanks to a dramatic late goal by Yarden Shua. The win marked Israel's first success of the competition, a much-needed morale boost after a difficult campaign. Belgium, missing several key players, including Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match, ultimately conceding the decisive goal with just four minutes remaining.
The first half was a tense affair, with both teams creating chances but failing to capitalize. Israel's Eli Dasa came close to breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute, when his low shot beat Belgium's goalkeeper Koen Casteels but struck the post. Just before the break, Casteels was called into action again, this time saving a low shot from Dor Peretz that threatened to give Israel the lead.
Belgium came out stronger after halftime, as head coach Domenico Tedesco's halftime team talk seemed to energize the Belgian side. Lois Openda narrowly missed the target with a side-netting attempt, and Johan Bakayoko forced Israel's goalkeeper, Daniel Peretz, into a fingertip save after an hour. Despite Belgium's increased pressure, they were unable to break down Israel's defense.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 86th minute, when Israel capitalized on a defensive mistake by Belgium. Dor Peretz intercepted a backpass from Matte Smets and was fouled in the penalty area by Belgium's Casteels. The referee awarded a penalty, and Yarden Shua calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, securing Israel's first win in the Nations League.
The victory, however, could not save Israel from relegation, as they finished at the bottom of Group A2 and will drop to League B for the next Nations League campaign. Belgium, despite their defeat, remains above Israel due to a better head-to-head goal difference. However, Belgium now faces a relegation play-off after a disappointing campaign, where they managed just one win and failed to secure a victory in their last four matches (D1 L3). The lack of key players, particularly in attack, was evident, as Belgium struggled to convert chances into goals, with only 12 shots in the match compared to Israel's 10.
Overall, it was a frustrating Nations League campaign for Belgium, who had high expectations but ended up with more questions than answers as they head into their relegation battle. For Israel, the win against Belgium will provide some solace, but they will have to regroup and focus on bouncing back in League B next time around.
