Belgium entered Dublin without players who have more than fifty caps to their name, such as Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne. National coach Roberto Martínez had chosen to use the two exhibition games – the Belgians play against Burkino Faso on Tuesday – to test some other players. The Spanish coach also indicated that he did not find the number 1 position in the world rankings sacred.
Only with a win would Belgium maintain its lead after a series of lesser results. Now Brazil will take over the top spot in the FIFA rankings. Belgium led the ranking since September 20, 2018.
After 12 minutes Michy Batshuayi gave the Belgians the lead with a shot from the left. In the 35th minute it was equalized after an effective bicycle kick from Nigerian-born Chiedozie Ogbene. The ball was slightly touched by defender Jason Denayer.
After an hour, the Belgians took the lead again. Hans Vanaken headed in from a corner by Thorgan Hazard. Martínez made a lot of changes and let Orel Mangala (VfB Stuttgart) make his debut. Shortly before time, the equalizer followed when Brown passed goalkeeper Simon Mignolet with a header, after a cross from Ogbene.
Kane helps England to win over Switzerland
A penalty kick used by Harry Kane helped England to a 2-1 win over Switzerland on Saturday. Both countries will participate in the World Cup this fall and practiced at Wembley.
The Swiss took the lead in the 22nd minute. Breel Embolo headed home from a cross by Xherdan Shaqiri. Shortly before the break, the English tied the score again. Defender Luke Shaw shot the ball past goalkeeper Jonas Omlin from the edge of the penalty area.
At a well-occupied Wembley, it took until the 78th minute for England to take the lead. After consulting the VAR, referee Andreas Ekberg penalized a handball by Swiss substitute Steven Zuber with a penalty kick. Kane got behind the ball and hit it: 2-1.
Olmo helps Spain to practice victory over Albania in the final minute
Spain has won the first friendly match with a view to the World Cup next autumn against Albania. In the stadium of Espanyol, substitute Dani Olmo decided the game in the 90th minute: 2-1.
Coach Luis Enrique’s team had the ball almost continuously, but only managed to score fifteen minutes before the end. Ferran Torres passed Albanian goalkeeper Etrit Berisha, on a pass from Yéremi Pino who had come in shortly before. With that, the win seemed within, but 5 minutes before the end Albania equalized via Myrto Uzuni, who plays for Granada in La Liga. Olmo, midfielder of RB Leipzig, took the victory with a nice shot in the intersection.
Spain will play a second exhibition game on Tuesday. Then Iceland is the opponent.