Belgium launched their 2024/25 UEFA Nations League campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Israel at an empty Nagyerdei Stadion in Hungary. Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne starred with a brace, guiding the Red Devils to their seventh win in eight encounters against Israel.
The match, played behind closed doors at a neutral venue, saw League A newcomers Israel start brightly, with Anan Khalaili testing Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels in the opening seconds.
However, De Bruyne soon stamped his authority on the game, breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute. The Belgian captain expertly finished a cross from Manchester City teammate Jeremy Doku, leaving Israeli goalkeeper Yoav Gerafi with no chance.
Israel managed to equalize against the run of play in the 36th minute. A De Bruyne turnover led to Khalaili’s header taking a deflection off Timothy Castagne, with the goal officially recorded as an own goal by the Fulham defender.
Belgium regained control early in the second half when Lois Openda’s clever flick set up Youri Tielemans for a spectacular strike past Gerafi. De Bruyne then secured his brace from the penalty spot after Openda was fouled in the area by Raz Shlomo.
In a display of team spirit, De Bruyne, despite being on a hat-trick, allowed Openda to take a second penalty awarded to Belgium. However, Gerafi saved Openda’s attempt, denying the RB Leipzig forward a place on the scoresheet.
Gerafi further frustrated De Bruyne with a fine save late in the game, preventing the City midfielder from claiming a hat-trick. Nonetheless, Belgium’s comfortable victory marks a positive start to their Nations League campaign under coach Domenico Tedesco, as they aim to improve on their fourth-place finish in the 2020/21 edition.
For Israel, the result extends their winless streak against Belgium to nearly 46 years, highlighting the challenge they face in their first season in League A of the Nations League.
The match, played in unusual circumstances without spectators, showcased Belgium’s depth and quality, with players like Doku and Openda impressing alongside the ever-influential De Bruyne.
