Football

Italy secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgium in Brussels. The visitors dominated the early stages and took the lead after 11 minutes when Sandro Tonali tapped in a deflected cross from Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Belgium pressed for an equalizer but could only manage a second-half header from Wout Faes that hit the post.Meanwhile, France's qualification was confirmed despite a lackluster 0-0 draw with Israel in Paris. The hosts struggled to create chances against a resolute Israeli defense, managing only 25 attempts on goal. Israel's goalkeeper, Daniel Peretz, made two diving saves in the second half to deny Warren Zaire-Emery and Christopher Nkunku.In Athens, England's interim coach Lee Carsley enjoyed an emphatic 3-0 victory over Greece. Ollie Watkins replaced Harry Kane and justified his selection with a goal after seven minutes. Jude Bellingham forced the second goal after 78 minutes, with Curtis Jones adding a third five minutes later. England and Greece are level on points but England's superior goal difference puts them top of the group.Austria and Norway also secured wins in Group B3. Austria defeated Kazakhstan 2-0, while Norway beat Slovenia 4-1. Erling Haaland scored once for Norway, who are now level on points with Austria but trail on goal difference.

Israeli and Dutch leaders on Friday (November 8, 2024) condemned "anti-Semitic" clashes that erupted after a Europa League football match in Amsterdam overnight, with Israel sending rescue planes for their citizens.The violence flared after the game between Maccabi Tel-Aviv and home team Ajax, which won 5-0. A Dutch police spokesperson told ANP news agency that 57 people had been arrested without further details.Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof denounced the "completely unacceptable anti-Semitic attacks on Israelis.""I followed with horror the coverage from Amsterdam," Mr. Schoof wrote on X, adding that he had spoken with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to assure him that "the perpetrators will be tracked down and prosecuted."The pair spoke after Mr. Netanyahu ordered rescue planes to the Netherlands to transport the Israeli fans back home.Mr. Netanyahu's office said he told Mr. Schoof that he "views the premeditated anti-Semitic attack against Israeli citizens with utmost seriousness and requested increased security for the Jewish community in the Netherlands," his office said.Dutch media AT5 said the clashes occurred around midnight. Social media platforms were flooded with unverified images purported to be of the violence, but confirmed details of the clashes were few.AT5 said that numerous fights, as well as acts of vandalism, had occurred in the city center. "A large number of mobile unit vehicles are present and reinforcements have also been called in," it said. "Young people also allegedly provoked the police."Images on AT5 showed Dutch police escorting fans back to their hotels. The Israeli embassy in the United States said "hundreds" of Maccabi fans were "ambushed and attacked in Amsterdam tonight as they left the stadium following a game."In its post on social media platform X, the embassy blamed the incident on a "mob who targeted innocent Israelis."Israel's President Isaac Herzog called on the Dutch government "to protect, locate, and rescue all Israelis and Jews under attack." "We see the horror this morning, the shocking images and videos that since October 7th, we had hoped never to see again: an anti-Semitic pogrom currently taking place against Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and Israeli citizens in the heart of Amsterdam, Netherlands," Herzog said in a statement.Rescue MissionIsraeli authorities urged their citizens in Amsterdam to stay in their hotels and avoid showing Israeli or Jewish symbols if they do go outside. The army said it was coordinating a "rescue mission" with cargo aircraft and medical and rescue teams.Israel's new foreign minister Gideon Saar said in a statement that he had requested the Dutch government's assistance in ensuring Israeli citizens' safe exit from their hotels to the airport.On Thursday, Amsterdam police said on social media that they were being particularly vigilant in the wake of several incidents, including the tearing down of a Palestinian flag from a building.A pro-Palestinian rally demonstrating against the Israeli football club's visit was initially scheduled to take place near the stadium but was relocated by the Amsterdam city council for security reasons.The violence took place with anti-Israeli sentiment and reported anti-Semitic acts across the world soaring as Israel wages wars against Iran-backed militants in Lebanon and in Gaza, which have seen massive civilian casualties.

Italy's resurgence continued on Monday as they secured a hard-fought 2-1 Nations League victory over Israel in Budapest. The Azzurri, seeking redemption after their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, now sit atop Group A2 with a perfect six points.Davide Frattesi opened the scoring in the 38th minute, capitalizing on Federico Dimarco's precise cross. Israel had a golden opportunity to equalize just after halftime, but Sagiv Jehezkel squandered a close-range chance.Moise Kean sealed the victory for Italy in the 62nd minute, scoring his first international goal in nearly three years. Mohamed Abu Fani's late strike for Israel proved to be a mere consolation.Luciano Spalletti's team has responded admirably to their Euro 2024 disappointment, showcasing a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Their victory over Israel, coupled with France's triumph over Belgium, has propelled them to the summit of their group.The match was played in a subdued atmosphere at the Bozsik Arena, with only 2,000 fans in attendance due to security concerns in Israel. A small group of Italy supporters turned their backs to the pitch during Israel's national anthem, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.Despite the subdued atmosphere, Italy controlled the tempo of the game and deserved their victory. They will now look to maintain their momentum when they face England in a friendly on Friday.