Italy end France's unbeaten run and go top; England reach knockouts
· Yahoo Sports
The fifth round of the UEFA Nations League kicked off on Thursday (12) with four matches.
The games were in Groups 1 and 3.
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One of the highlights was England, who secured qualification for the tournament's knockout stage with a game to spare.
In the day's heavyweight clash, Italy ended France's unbeaten run and overtook their European rivals at the top of the group.
Türkiye 1–2 Belgium
In the first game of the day, Belgium bounced back from defeat in the previous round and returned to second place in Group 1, now on nine points. Türkiye remain bottom without a single point.
Italy 3–1 France
In the day's heavyweight clash, the Azzurri came from behind to win and take top spot in Group 1.
Italy are now level with France on 10 points and goal difference (4), but have scored more goals (10 to 8).
Les Bleus, who had a chance to secure qualification with a game to spare, will have to wait until the final round.
On Sunday (15), France host Türkiye in Bordeaux, while Italy visit Belgium. Both games are scheduled for 4:45 p.m. Brasília time.
In a thrilling match at San Siro, France took the lead through Olise, but Francesco Esposito equalised before half-time.
In the second half, his brother Sebastiano Esposito missed a penalty, but Frattesi put Italy ahead a few minutes later.
Late in the European showdown, Italy were awarded another penalty, and Francesco Esposito stepped up to "restore the family honour" and seal victory for the four-time world champions.
Czechia 0–2 Spain
Already through to the quarter-finals, La Roja did what was needed, taking the lead through a first-half Baena penalty.
After the break, Spain had a goal ruled out for offside against Pino, while Krejci was sent off in the second half, leaving Czechia in a very difficult position.
With the final kick of the game, Marc Pubill doubled La Roja's lead!
With a perfect record, Spain, who have not lost a match since March 2024, remain top of Group 3 on 15 points.
Czechia remain bottom without a point.
England 2–1 Croatia
In the first half, Jude Bellingham provided a brilliant assist for Morgan Rogers to open the scoring for England.
After the break, Sucic equalised for Croatia.
But Harry Kane, who else, secured victory and qualification for England by converting a penalty.
The final round, to be played on Sunday (15) at 4:45 p.m. Brasília time, will decide who finishes top of Group 3.
England (12 points and a goal difference of 12) visit Spain (15 points and a goal difference of 8) at Atlético Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.
