UEFA Nations League wrap: Germany stay top as France earn vital win over Belgium

Germany cemented their place at the top of Group 3 with a narrow win over Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League, while France edged out Belgium on Monday.

Germany 1-0 Netherlands

Germany secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in a tightly contested Nations League match, with Jamie Leweling of Stuttgart scoring the decisive goal.

Leweling’s strike came from a first-time shot following a half-cleared corner, sealing Germany’s place at the top of the group with 10 points.

Earlier in the match, Leweling had an additional goal disallowed for offside after a VAR review. The disallowed goal was a result of poor Dutch defending, highlighting the absence of Virgil van Dijk, who missed the match due to suspension.

The Netherlands struggled to create clear chances but came close on two occasions, hitting the crossbar twice.

Cody Gakpo’s cross rattled the woodwork, and later, a brilliant run and shot from Xavi Simons also hit the crossbar, leaving Dutch fans frustrated.

With this victory, Germany cements its position at the top of the group, while the Netherlands and Hungary remain level on 5 points each.

The second-placed team will qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals, while the third-placed team will face a relegation-promotion play-off.

Belgium 1-2 France

France edged out Belgium 2-1 in a gripping Nations League Group A2 clash in Brussels. Randal Kolo Muani proved the difference, scoring both of France’s goals, while Belgium’s Lois Openda netted a consolation strike.

The visitors took the lead in the 34th minute when Kolo Muani converted from the penalty spot, following a handball by Belgium’s Wout Faes.

Belgium fought back, and just before half-time, Openda levelled the score with a powerful header from Timothy Castagne’s pinpoint cross.

France regained control in the second half, with Kolo Muani rising high to head in his second goal just after the hour mark.

Despite Belgium’s efforts, their chances of a comeback were dealt a blow when Youri Tielemans sent a penalty over the crossbar.

France’s victory was made more impressive as they finished the match with 10 men.

Aurelien Tchouameni, France’s stand-in captain, was sent off with 14 minutes remaining after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Tielemans.

Italy 4-1 Israel

Italy continued their impressive Nations League campaign with a commanding 4-1 win over Israel at home, solidifying their position at the top of League A Group Two.

Italy took the lead in the 41st minute when Mateo Retegui converted a penalty after Dor Peretz fouled Sandro Tonali.

Omri Glazer had earlier kept Israel in the game with key saves against Retegui. Giovanni Di Lorenzo doubled Italy’s advantage with a header from Giacomo Raspadori’s free kick in the 54th minute.

Israel responded in the 66th minute, with Mohammed Abu Fani scoring directly from a corner, confirmed after a VAR check.

However, Italy restored their dominance as Davide Frattesi netted a third goal in the 72nd minute, assisted by Federico Dimarco.

Di Lorenzo sealed the win with his second goal in the 79th minute.

Bosnia and Herzegovina 0-2 Hungary

Hungary earned their first win of the group stage as they beat bottom-of-the-table Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Dominik Szoboszlai netted both goals for the visitors. The Liverpool midfielder opened the scoring in the 38th minute, and slotted a penalty early in the second half to ease Hungary to a comfortable victory.

The win leaves Hungary third in Group 3, while Bosnia and Herzegovina remain rooted to the bottom with one point from four games.

League B results:

Azerbaijan 1-3 Slovakia

Georgia 0-1 Albania

Iceland 2-4 Turkiye

Estonia 0-3 Sweden

Ukraine 1-1 Czechia

Wales 1-0 Montenegro