Euro 2020 qualifiers: Romelu Lukaku stars as Belgium hand Steve Clark first Scotland loss, Wales concede late, Northern Ireland win
Steve Clarke was handed his first defeat as Scotland manager thanks to a Romelu Lukaku double.The Manchester United striker continued his fine form in a Belgium shirt with a brace in their Euro 2020 qualifier.Kevin De Bruyne was also on the scoresheet as Clarke’s side were beaten 3-0 in Brussels.Wales conceded late on to lose at Hungary while Northern Ireland benefited from a late goal to win in Belarus.
Getty
5Romelu Lukaku scored twice against ScotlandBelgium 3-0 ScotlandSteve Clarke’s side defended with a mixture of diligence and desperation in this 2020 European Championship qualifier only for all the good work to be undone just before half-time when a lapse of concentration ended with striker Romelu Lukaku heading in a cross from skipper Eden Hazard.In truth, the goal had been coming and the Manchester United striker added a second in the 57th minute with a strike and Steve Clarke’s side had to work hard to prevent further damage before Kevin De Bruyne added a third in the final minute. Roberto Martinez’s all-star team, ranked number one in the world, have won four out of four Group I fixtures while the Scots have six points from 12 and host Russia and Belgium in their next qualifying double-header in September, their task of qualifying for a major tournament for the first time since 1998 not becoming any easier.
Hungary 1-0 WalesManchester United-bound winger Daniel James created Wales’ best chance of the opening half-hour.James went on a superb 50-yard run down the left flank before feeding Tom Lawrence for a shot which was held by Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulascsi.Hungary carried a real threat from set-pieces and Dominik Szoboszlai headed wide before Holender was inches away from applying the final touch to Adam Szalai’s cross.Hungary and Wales remained goalless at the break.
Getty
5Gareth Bale started for Wales against HungaryIn what was proving a tight contest, Joe Allen volleyed wide from 25 yards and Hungary centre-back headed Balazs Dzsudzsak’s corner into side netting.But chances were very much at a premium with defences on top.Gareth Bale missed a glorious chance on the hour after Wales produced the best football of the match.Brooks swerved away from his marker to free Lawrence and he squared the ball to leave Bale with only Gulacsi to beat.But Bale scooped his shot weakly and Gulacsi collected easily. Wales had lost Ampadu to injury soon after the restart and he was replaced by Matthew Smith.
Getty
5Ethan Ampadu had to come off with an injuryHungary took an 80th-minute lead when Wales failed to clear the ball in their penalty area and Patkai fired home.Allen had earlier preserved the 0-0 scoreline with an acrobatic goal-line clearance with the Hungarians convinced the ball had crossed the line.
Belarus 0-1 Northern IrelandConor Washington, firmly in the shop window after being released by Sheffield United, wasted little time in showing an attacking threat, dragging a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the area in the fourth minute.It signalled a strong start to the game from Northern Ireland, who were able to keep Belarus pegged back for large periods, applying pressure to the home defence with a string of corners and free-kicks.
Getty
5Conor Washington was looking to impress for Northern IrelandMistakes were creeping in at the other end though, with Belarus close to capitalising on a mix-up when Denis Polyakov sent in a dangerous cross which Corry Evans did well to head behind under pressure.Craig Cathcart and Bailey Peacock-Farrell then had to scramble the ball away from two corners that followed before Polyakov tried a curling effort which was perhaps closer to the post than Peacock-Farrell realised.But neither goalkeeper would be tested before the break as the sides went in goal-less.Northern Ireland made a bright start to the second half. First a Jones cross from the left caused chaos as it span away from the goalkeeper. Magennis got a touch to play it back to McNair but his control let him down and Belarus scrambled it away.But Northern Ireland kept the pressure on and Washington brought a decent save from Gutor with a driven effort.
Getty
5Paddy McNair scored a late winner for Northern IrelandBelarus responded as Lewis was booked for a foul on Igor Shitov in a dangerous position, but Stuart Dallas, just on for Magennis, cleared the free-kick with his first touch.Barely a minute later, Northern Ireland’s defenders converged on Belarus substitute Denis Laptev to block his shot from the penalty spot.Just when it looked as though Northern Ireland would not find a breakthrough, Paddy McNair popped up with his first international goal.The Middlesbrough man took the ball from Jones on the left, skipped over the challenge of Kisylak and drove the ball under Gutor.
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has sad that the club, just like Manchester United, need a player clearout.. Palour made his comments in review of the Gunners shock 3-2 at home to Crystal Palace this past weekend, saying that the quest for a top-four finish will be an outstanding success.
Ray Parlour demands squad clear out this summer | Arsenal Mania
Andre Gomes could be facing a three match ban after being charged with violent conduct by the FA following an alleged stamp on Fulham's Aleksandar Mitrovic. Everton have until 6pm tomorrow to
Everton's Andre Gomes facing charges for stamp on Mitrovic
Jurgen Klopp is wary of the threat posed by Liverpool's nemesis Jamie Vardy and cannot explain why the striker has such a good record against them. The 32-year-old forward has scored seven of
Klopp wary of threat posed by Leicester striker Vardy
Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool will hit problems, but must still win every remaining game because Manchester City won't drop points in the title race. Jurgen Klopp believes Manchester City won't
Jurgen Klopp press conference RECAP - Liverpool manager
Mauricio Pochettino does not want to bring any fresh faces into his Tottenham squad despite a lack of movement in recent windows, claims Harry Redknapp. 'Pochettino doesn't want to sign anyone
Tottenham transfer news LIVE: Asensio, Ndombele, Tielemans
National League side Hartlepool United have appointed 63-year-old Richard Money as their new manager. Money led Cambridge United back into the Football League in 2014 and has also managed Luton
Money named new Hartlepool manager - Football Paradise
The Premier League will have 65 or more nationalities represented this season. It's far cry from the league's first season in 1992/93 when only 13 non-British or Irish players took part.
Key moments as City beats Liverpool to Premier League title
Watford troll Crystal Palace on Twitter after huge FA Cup win
Cristiano Ronaldo injury latest as Juventus provide update. " Cristiano Ronaldo underwent tests in Portugal that revealed a minor I think I'll be fine in a week or two," Ronaldo told
Juventus will not rush Cristiano Ronaldo back - Agnelli
A football chant or terrace chant is a song or chant sung at association football matches. They can be historic, dating back to the formation of the club, adaptations of popular songs, plagiarised, a mock of the originals, spontaneous reactions to events on the pitch.
In Champions League final, Liverpool fans chant for Mohamed
Liverpool news and transfers RECAP - Fekir 'set for Reds move', Klopp bids for Omur, duo to start vs Wolves. All the latest news, transfers, opinion from Anfield
Liverpool news and transfers RECAP - Coutinho linked with
Shop Overstock.com and find the best online deals on everything for your home. We work every day to bring you discounts on new products across our entire store. Whether you're looking for memorable gifts or everyday essentials, you can buy them here for less.
~ Manchester United manager latest: Eric - fp-news.com
With Sarri now looking to head back to Italy shortly to take on the job at Juventus, it has put question marks over the future of Jorginho at the club. The Italian international was the manager's first signing at Chelsea but he came in for a lot of criticism for his performances and was even booed at times over the course of the season.
Jan 05, 2019 · Nathaniel Clyne was supposed to become a Cardiff City player this week — so thought Bluebirds boss Neil Warnock — but instead, the Liverpool right back joined Bournemouth on loan until the end
Neil Warnock proud as Cardiff keep season alive with victory
Raheem Sterling had to mark Jadon Sancho in Man City training and almost injured his back training and he spun me and I nearly did my back in," Sterling said. Raheem Sterling Manchester
Raheem Sterling Lauds 'Great' Jadon Sancho & Reveals Details
No comments:
Post a Comment