2023-10-14 00:07:47
Captain and scorer, “CR7” set new records. PEDRO NUNES / REUTERS
In a five-game multiplex on Friday evening, Belgium and Portugal qualified for the Euro while Ireland was logically eliminated.
Tops
Ronaldo, a double and records
Friday evening was Cristiano Ronaldo’s 202nd selection. To celebrate, the five-time Golden Ball won a double in Portugal’s victory against Slovakia (3-2), thanks to a penalty goal (29′) and a second from an offering from his former teammate at United, Bruno Fernandes (72′). Which allowed him to set some new records: first player to qualify for a sixth Euro; 125 goals for the national team, more than anyone in the history of football; 780 career victories. In short, the one who now plays in Saudi Arabia has successfully returned to the old continent, in front of his audience.
Read alsoEuro 2024: Ronaldo’s Portugal and Belgium join France
Lukebakio, a double and a qualifier
Established on the right of the Red Devils’ attack, the Sevillian winger represented a constant danger and made the Austrian defense dizzy. In a match with the smell of a final for first place in the group, he scored a decisive double for his team (3-2 victory). Better yet, these were his first achievements with the Belgian tunic. And what goals! On a counterattack initiated by Castagne, he went up almost the entire opposing half of the field, taking the opportunity to eliminate Lienhart, before adjusting an unstoppable shot into Schlager’s small left net. He doubled the lead in the 55th minute with a nice shot at the near post. An evening he is unlikely to forget.
Greece offers itself a final
In the France group, the Irish hosted the Greeks. Second in Group B before the match and tied on points with the Netherlands, the Greeks leave Irish soil victorious (0-2). Gustavo Poyet’s men won without trembling. In the event of a victory against the Dutch, who they host on Monday evening, the Greeks will qualify for Euro 2024. This would be a first since 2012!
Flops
Austria woke up too late
Authors of a successful group stage including four victories and a draw, the Austrians hosted Belgium on Friday evening, with the assurance of securing their ticket to the Euro in the event of success. But at home, “Das Team” completely missed its first 70 minutes. Trailing 3-0 and struggling to appear dangerous, we had to wait for changes to see the locals react. Captain Konrad Laimer first reduced the gap with a heavy strike from 25 meters, then Sabitzer scored from the penalty spot. At 11 against 10, the Austrians pushed but were unable to equalize. Too bad I only played a quarter of an hour.
Read alsoThe notes of the Blues against the Netherlands: Mbappé brilliant, Griezmann precious, Kolo Muani too neutral
La Seleção friable defense
At home and with the aim of qualifying in the event of a victory against Slovakia, the Portuguese began this meeting as the favorites. And if their offensive armada put the opposing defense through an ordeal, it was not the same defensively. The visitors hit the bar at 0-0, and reduced the score twice. They benefited from the spaces left in midfield by a block sometimes cut in two, while Antonio Silva was put in difficulty. Roberto Martinez has work to do for 2024.
Sad Irish eliminated
At home, led by their striker Evan Ferguson playing with Brighton, the Irish were not worthy of the hopes placed in them. Opposed to Greece on Friday evening, the Men in Green were harmless up front and permeable behind. They were, as a result, eliminated in front of their own audience. At the end of these group stages, a sad fourth place with simply a victory against the modest team from Gibraltar. Disappointing.
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