There was a lot of footballing action in UEFA Nations League 2018 yesterday with a lot of matches being played across Europe. There were comfortable wins for Spain, Belgium and Luxemburg but Iceland, Greece and San Marino suffered heartbreaks. World Cup finalists Croatia suffered their worst ever defeat at the hands of Spain. In case you missed all the action, we have a quick recap of all the matches here.
Romelu Lukaku blasts Belgium to thumping 3-0 win over Iceland
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku scored twice and also won a penalty that was converted by Eden Hazard as Belgium thumped Iceland 3-0 in their UEFA Nations League A, Group 2 clash in Reykjavik on Tuesday. Lukaku was bought down by Sverrir Ingi Ingason in the 28th minute and was awarded a penalty which Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard converting to score the opening goal.
Lukaku made it 2-0 to Belgium minutes later, finishing a close-range shot on the rebound that went over the line before Iceland goalkeeper Birkir Saevardsson managed to clear. The Manchester United striker then scored his second and team’s third with a deft flick nine minutes from fulltime. It was Belgium’s first game in the tournament while Iceland suffered second consecutive defeat in the competition.
Hungary beat Greece 2-1 as László Kleinheisler nets the winner
Hungary defeated Greece 2-1 thanks to goals from Ronald Sallai and László Kleinheisler. Ronald Sallai gave Hungary the lead in the 13th minute but Kostas Manolas equalized for Greece five minutes later. Kleinheisler netted the winner for Hungary in the 42nd minute to win the game. Although Greece dominated most parts of the game it was their opponent who emerged victorious.
Ex-Man City Striker Edin Dzeko helps Bosnia and Herzegovina to win against Austria
Edin Dzeko scored the only goal to help Bosnia and Herzegovina to win their UEFA Nations League match against Iceland. The former Manchester City striker scored in the 78th minute to win the game for the hosts.
Luxembourg down San Marino 3:0
Luxembourg continued their fine form by defeating San Marino 3-0 thanks to goals from Maxime Chanot, Aurélien Joachim and Danel Sinani. In their previous match, Luxembourg had comfortably beaten Moldova 4:0 so this result means that they have taken maximum points from their opening two matches in the competition.
Finland win 1-0 against Estonia
An early goal from Teemu Pukki was enough for Finland to win against Estonia. Pyry Soiri provided the assist for the goal. The Fins stay unbeaten in the tournament.
Moldova 0-0 Belarus
Moldova and Belarus played out a goalless draw in their UEFA Nations League 2018 encounter on Tuesday. Neither team could manage to create any chances as the game ended without a goal being scored.
The next rounds of UEFA Nations League 2018 will take place from 11th to 16th October 2018 with finals taking place next year in June from 5th to 9th.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2018 04:10 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).