Belgium kick off their latest pursuit of silverware on Friday as they face Israel in their opening match of the new UEFA Nations League season. Due to security concerns, the game will be held in Hungary. The Red Devils aim to start their campaign with a win, as they also face Italy and France in League A Group 2.
Belgium’s summer was disappointing, with an early exit from Euro 2024 at the hands of France, adding to the frustration of their supporters. Questions remain about whether current coach Domenico Tedesco can lead this talented squad to major titles.
Belgium vs. Israel: Stats and Head-to-Head
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Belgium’s performance in the group stage of Euro 2024 was underwhelming, and Tedesco is eager to turn things around in his first tournament in charge. Securing a top-two finish in Group 2 of the Nations League is crucial for Belgium, as it would guarantee a place in the quarter-finals of the newly expanded competition. Finishing third would lead to a relegation playoff, and fourth would result in automatic relegation.
Belgium went unbeaten and conceded only four goals in Euro qualifying but fell short in the last Nations League finals, finishing as runners-up to the Netherlands. Their best result in the 2021 edition was fourth place, and they will aim to surpass that this season. Avoiding any slip-ups this week is crucial before their upcoming matches against France and Italy.
Israel, having been promoted from League B in 2022, faces a tough group. They previously topped a group that included Iceland, Albania, and initially Russia. Despite their improvement, Israel has yet to qualify for a major finals in over 50 years.
Team News
Belgium will be without key players this month; notably, Romelu Lukaku is absent to work on his fitness, while veteran Jan Vertonghen has retired from international duty. Versatile forward Leandro Trossard is also missing, despite his regular appearances in Euro 2024.
New additions to Belgium’s squad include Koni De Winter and Alexis Saelemaekers, alongside Borussia Dortmund’s Julien Duranville and recent Celtic signing Arne Engels. Without Lukaku, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku are expected to support Lois Openda in attack, with Galatasaray striker Michy Batshuayi still sidelined.
For Israel, notable absentees include Dan Glazer, Sean Goldberg, and Shon Weissman. The squad features four uncapped players, including Maccabi Haifa’s Ilay Feingold, with captain Eli Dasa likely to start at right-back. Leeds United loanee Manor Solomon is expected to lead the attack, potentially alongside former Celtic winger Liel Abada.
Belgium vs. Israel: Probable Starting XI
Belgium: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, De Winter, Theate; Onana, Mangala; Bakayoko, De Bruyne, Doku; Openda
Israel: Gerafi; Dasa, Shlomo, Nachmias, Gropper; Kanichowsky, Peretz; Solomon, Gloukh, Abada; Baribo
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