The Netherlands continue to set the pace, but Belgium is also gaining momentum against a unerring Robert Lewandowski from FC Bayern: The two neighbors won the Nations League on Wednesday at the same pace.
Three days after the triumph in a direct duel (4:1), the Netherlands won a 2:1 (0:0) work victory in Wales. After the shame, Belgium celebrated a redeeming 6: 1 (0: 0) against Poland.
Lewandowski, who has been trying to force his departure from Bayern Munich for weeks, was in good shape in the national jersey. In Brussels he scored the lead against superior Belgians (28′), but Borussia Dortmund’s Axel Witsel (42′) quickly equalized.
In the second half, Kevin de Bruyne (59′), Leandro Trossard (73’/80′), Leander Dendoncker (83′) and Lois Openda (90’+3′) turned the game around. Thorgan Hazard, Thomas Meunier (both Dortmund) and Dedryck Boyata (Hertha BSC) were not in the Belgians’ starting XI.
Oranje drama in stoppage time
Mark Flekken from SC Freiburg kept the goal for the Netherlands, Teun Koopmeiners (50th) first scored in front. Rhys Norrington-Davies (90+2) equalized in added time, but ex-Wolfsburg player Wout Weghorst (90+4) scored the winning goal.
Bond coach Louis van Gaal’s Elftal is now unbeaten in eleven games. In group 4 of the A-League only the Netherlands have six points after two games, followed by Poland and Belgium (3 each) ahead of Wales (0).
Ukraine wins in Ireland
After missing out on qualifying for the World Cup, Ukraine meanwhile made a successful start to the Nations League.
The Ukrainians prevailed 1-0 (0-0) in Ireland. Viktor Zygankov (48th minute) scored the decisive goal for his team in Dublin.
As a result, Ukraine moved up to second place in their group. Table leader is Scotland, which prevailed 2-0 (2-0) against Armenia.
Ukraine missed out on participating in the World Cup in Qatar last weekend after beating Wales 1-0 in the playoff final.