MURCIA, Spain — Ukraine don disgrace Belgium 3-1 for their Nations League playoff first leg wey happen on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Na Rudi Garcia first match as Belgium coach, after him take over from Domenico Tedesco.
Belgium start strong as Romelu Lukaku score first goal after Kevin De Bruyne free kick, but Ukraine respond quickly for second half. Na Oleksiy Hutsuliak, Vladyslav Vanat, and Illia Zabarnyi dem wey score to turn match around within 12 minutes.
Thibaut Courtois, wey just return after two years absence from international duty due to injury and issues with Tedesco, start for Belgium. E dey face some pressure but no make am stop the goals wey come from substitutes for Ukraine.
Garcia comment say, “We get plan, but e no work for second half. We go learn from am to prepare for the second leg.”
Ukraine start the match sharp, pressing Belgium and forcing Courtois to make some saves early. But na Lukaku wey give Belgium lead for 40th minute, heading the ball into net to show say e still dey dangerous.
For second half, Ukraine come back like lion. Hutsuliak equalize for 66th minute after him take advantage of Belgium defensive mistake. Seven minutes later, Vanat score another goal wey put Ukraine ahead, before Zabarnyi add the third goal in the 78th minute with nice technique.
The second leg go karey happen for Belgium on Sunday, March 23, 2025, where dem go try correct dis mistake. If dem no fit turn am around, this fit be them first relegation from top tier of Nations League.
Belgium end up third for them group last season, collect just four points from six matches. Na serious matter wey dem need address if dem wan remain competitive for top international football.
Scott McTominay shine for Scotland as dem win Greece 1-0 meanwhile. Turkey also show strength, beating Hungary 3-1 in other matches wey dey happen for the same time.
