Red Flames play a good match against top favorites in their Nations League group, but lose and drop to third place

© BELGIUM

The Red Flames lost their third match in group 1 of the Nations League 0-1 to England, the top country in their group. The Belgian women played a very creditable match, especially when they dared to play higher after the break. Because, in addition to England, the Dutch women also won, the Flames dropped from first to third place in their group. The Red Flames can nevertheless rely on this performance for the second match against England on Tuesday in Leuven.

Top favorite England took control of the match with a lot of pressure, runs and chances. And yet the Red Flames could have taken the lead against the run of play. After nine minutes, the English goalkeeper Earps had to do everything she could to catch a header from Vanhaevermaet.

Three minutes later the English had finally taken their deserved lead. On a corner kick, captain Bright climbed high and headed onto the post. The rebound was a piece of cake for Hemp.

Before the half hour mark the Red Flames threatened again. A deviated attempt by Wullaert to reach Vanhaevermaet narrowly missed the target.

Don’t get us wrong: England were definitely the better team before halftime, but never managed to really count out the Red Flames.

Even more, as the second half progressed, the Red Flames dared to play higher and the nervousness among the English increased. England slumped, but managed to score 1-0.

Belgium can look back on a very creditable performance that gives hope for the return match next Tuesday in Leuven.

The Red Flames have 4 points after three of the six games in group 1 of the Nations League, the Netherlands and England have six points, Scotland 1 point.

The group winner qualifies for the finals, the third in the standings plays the play-offs for relegation, the last one is immediately relegated to League B.

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