Israel beat Belgium but suffer top-tier relegation

Israel grabbed a late victory over Belgium but it was not enough to prevent relegation from the Nations League’s top tier.

Debutant Yarden Shua scored the only goal of the Group A2 match in the 86th minute when he fired a loose ball into the bottom corner after good work from team-mate Dia Saba.

However, Israel fell short of the 3-0 win they needed, a result which would have relegated Belgium instead.

Both sides finished on four points from their six matches, but Belgium, after a 3-1 win in September, took third place in the table because of a superior head-to-head record.

Belgium, who were top of the Fifa world rankings as recently as February 2022, will now have to play in a two-legged relegation play-off in March against a country from Group B in order to stay in the top tier.

The match was played at the Bozsik Arena in Budapest, Hungary, because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, with reports before the game saying only 600 tickets had been sold.

Those that were present would have struggled to enjoy the match, which was played in dense fog.

Belgium made a strong start with Arsenal forward Leandro Trossard twice having opportunities saved by Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.

But Israel grew into the match as Eli Dasa shot against the post and Dor Peretz forced a good save from Koen Casteels.

Substitute Johan Bakayoko almost put Belgium ahead, but saw his shot tipped over, before Israel scored the solitary goal to gain their only win of their Nations League campaign.