2023-12-02 00:39:00
The Red Flames remain undefeated at Den Dreef. The Belgian football women drew against Scotland and remain in the running for group victory in the Nations League. They especially have England to thank for that. The English women fell 0-2 behind against the Netherlands and even won 3-2. One goal too many, because the Flames can only become group winners if they beat the Netherlands themselves and if England do not beat Scotland.
LOOK. Wullaert: “Need to play more aggressively and better”
The Red Flames and Den Dreef, an unprecedented success combination so far. Top countries the Netherlands and England have already fallen. Then Scotland should certainly not pose a problem. Or is it? More than half of the Scottish squad plays in the English Premier League, the strongest competition in the world for women’s football. For the Flames only five. That doesn’t have to mean much, just think of the two stunt victories at home.
The Flames started cautiously again. No completed attacks, hardly any chances and too little initiative. The local brass band tried to speed things up with a rhythmic tune that seemed to never end. That didn’t result in much more than a wild shot from Vanhaevermaet. The tune did not give the Scottish women any ideas either. The only good attack was abruptly stopped by the line judge: offside.
© AFP
Tessa Wullaert – barely found until then – fought into the match halfway through the first half. After a nice cut, she aimed for the far post, but her shot went wide. Reaching Wullaert at the front always posed a danger. Also knew Laura Deloose. She launched Wullaert with a clever deep pass, who in turn put Marie Detruyer in front of goal. Detruyer completed his work in one go.
© BELGIUM
The Flames could not enjoy their lead for long. About four minutes later, Chelsea player Cuthbert tried from far away. Her teammate at Chelsea, Flames goalkeeper Evrard – was not positioned properly and saw the ball fly in above her. To do everything again. The pace went up again, it was a countdown until half time.
© BELGIUM
Bad news for the Flames at halftime. The Netherlands was already 0-2 ahead in England. With that score and a virtual point, group victory seemed far away. It could have gotten worse just after half-time, but Clark and Emslie couldn’t frame it. The Belgians could not do more than a deviation from Vanhaevermaet on a corner kick and a fresh dribble from Wullaert.
Fortunately, the football gods were kind to the Flames. England came back on level terms with the Netherlands. A draw was enough to play for a group win in Amsterdam on Tuesday. That was – unfortunately – visible. The Belgians barely created any chances, but held up well defensively.
© BELGIUM
In England-Netherlands it even became 3-2. Slightly less news for the Belgians, as they drop to third place, one point behind the Netherlands and England. However, group profit is still possible. If the Flames win against the Netherlands on Tuesday and England do not win against Scotland, the Belgians will be group winners. That would qualify for the ‘Final Four’, where an Olympic ticket is at stake.
In any case: after five match days in the Nations League, the Olympic dream is still realistic. Punishment.
LOOK. Justine Vanhaevermaet: “Already shown that we can do better”
Relive the match against Scotland here
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90’+9′
End of second half
90’+3′
Cuthbert felled
Painful moment for Cuthbert. She is hit on the head by Missipo’s foot. The Scottish one needs care. She steps to the side herself, but is substituted.
81′
Lisa Evans is replaced by Lauren Davidson
78′
Netherlands at 2-2!
A surprise in England! The Netherlands has relinquished its double lead: the score is now 2-2. The Netherlands is now virtually on 10 points, the Red Flames on 8 points. A group win on the final matchday next week is still possible, if it stays like this tonight.
75′
New opportunity for Scotland
Scotland has another chance. Great cross and Gallacher can kick in one go. Her shot goes wide. When will the Flames show something again?
69′
Fiona Brown is replaced by Amy Gallacher
69′
Jassina Blom is replaced by Jill Janssens
69′
Marie Detruyer is replaced by Féli Delacauw
69′
Kirsty Maclean is replaced by Hayley Lauder
66′
Scotland pushes Flames back
Difficult moment for our Flames, who are pushed back by the Scots. Will they get out of the squeeze?
58′
Martha Thomas is replaced by Abi Harrison
58′
Claire Emslie is replaced by Kirsty Rae Hanson
59′
Almost Vanhaevermaet
The match can go either way. Now we get another chance for the Red Flames. A sharp corner kick from Wullaert is extended by Vanhaevermaet. MacIver must save the day.
57′
© Photo News
© Photo News
© Photo News
56′
Attempt Wullaert
The first chance for the Flames in the second half. Wullaert dribbles free and kicks. Too central to worry the Scottish goalkeeper.
54′
Emslie hits the front!
The Flames are having a hard time! Emslie gets a good shooting opportunity and decides to go wide. Great opportunity for Scotland.
52′
Yellow card for Rachel Corsie
50′
Flames escape
Sigh of relief for the Flames. Clark gets a header opportunity from close range, but nods over.
50′
Netherlands 0-2 ahead
Bad news for the Red Flames. The Netherlands is 0-2 ahead in England. This brings the Dutch team to a virtual 12 points. The Red Flames, at 1-1, on 8 points. So group profit is gone at the moment.
49′
Cayman works away
Scotland is there for the first time in the second half. Dangerous switch, but the cross is cleared by Cayman.
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