Belgium carry on the winning habit as Lukaku strikes twice

UEFA Nations League means closer games as teams are grouped with those of similar strengths

Belgium carry on the winning habit as Lukaku strikes twice

by Steve Clare

Friday night’s international games produced only one result with more than a one goal difference.

Moldova beat the ultimate minnows San Marino 2-0, but everywhere else there was one goal or less between the sides.

In Brussels, World Cup semi-finalists and third place finishers Belgium beat Switzerland 2-1. Romelu Lukaku was able to escape the drama surrounding his club side Manchester United and score twice for the other Red Devils. Firstly Thomas Meunier provided the chance and the winner involved Dries Mertens and, almost inevitably, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard.

In between Switzerland equalised when Dinamo Zagreb forward and substitute Mario Gavranovic reacted quickest to Nico Elvedi’s header following Xherdan Shaqiri’s deep free-kick.

Belgium maintain a 100% record in Group A2, which also includes Iceland.

Finland won the friendly derby while beaten World Cup semi finalists England and finalists Croatia played out a drab goalless draw in Rijeka. Both are stranded at the foot of the table which Spain lead.

Northern Ireland lost their second straight game in this new cup while Greece move into second place behind Finland in Group C2.

Belarus ended Luxembourg’s run of wins and take over the leadership of Group D2.

Friday Oct 12 Results

GROUP A2
Belgium 2 : 1 Switzerland

GROUP A4
Croatia 0 : 0 England

GROUP B3
Austria 1 :  0 Northern Ireland

GROUP C2
Estonia 0 : 1 Finland
Greece 1 : 0 Hungary

GROUP D2
Belarus 1 : 0 Luxembourg
Moldova 2 : 0 San Marino