Both Belgium and Israel will hope to stave off demotion in the UEFA Nations League when they face each other this Sunday night.
In a high-stakes UEFA Nations League encounter, rock-bottom Israel will face third-placed Belgium on Sunday at Budapest’s Bozsik Arena. Both sides are battling to avoid automatic demotion from League A, with Israel needing a miraculous three-goal win to avoid relegation.
Belgium’s hopes of reaching the Nations League quarter-finals ended on Thursday following a 1-0 defeat to Italy. A costly slip by Maxim De Cuyper allowed Sandro Tonali to score the only goal of the game, marking Belgium’s third defeat of the campaign. Despite late pressure, including near misses from Romelu Lukaku and Wout Faes, the Red Devils failed to salvage a point.
Domenico Tedesco’s underwhelming tenure as Belgium manager continues to face scrutiny, as his side has now won just one of their last seven matches across all competitions. That solitary victory came in a 3-1 win over Israel in September. Currently third in the group with three points more than Israel, Belgium must avoid losing by three goals or more to stay out of automatic relegation.
While Belgium seem destined for a relegation playoff in March, uncertainty looms over Tedesco’s future. Recent reports of a potential return for estranged goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who refuses to work under Tedesco, have only added to the pressure on the manager.
For Israel, Sunday’s match is a last-ditch effort to avoid relegation. Ranked 81st in the world, Israel have struggled at this level, securing just one point from five games in Group 2. To stay in League A, they need to defeat Belgium by three goals or more — a tall order for Ran Ben Shimon’s side.
Israel did showcase resilience in their 0-0 draw against France earlier this week. Amid unusual circumstances, including a near-empty stadium and fan violence, goalkeeper Daniel Peretz delivered a standout performance, denying the French on multiple occasions.
Despite that valiant effort, Israel’s defensive approach and lack of firepower make their chances of securing the required margin of victory slim. Having lost four consecutive matches in September and October, they have struggled to compete at Europe’s highest level. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Israel
Israel are expected to field a similar lineup to the one that managed a resolute 0-0 draw against France earlier this week. The team will likely stick to a defensive 5-4-1 formation as they aim to keep Belgium at bay while seeking a miraculous three-goal victory.
Omri Glazer, the usual starting goalkeeper for Israel, remains sidelined due to injury, so Bayern Munich’s Daniel Peretz will once again don the gloves, earning his fourth senior cap. In attack, either Dor Turgeman, Tai Baribo, or Dean David is expected to lead the line, supported by Oscar Gloukh and Manor Solomon. Solomon made a welcome return to the national team midweek after missing October’s matches through injury.
In a defensive 5-4-1 formation, Daniel Peretz will take his place between the posts as Israel’s goalkeeper, tasked with replicating the impressive performance he showcased against France. Protecting him will be a compact defensive unit, with Eli Dasa occupying the right-back position and Sun Menahem on the left. The central defensive trio will consist of Idan Nachimas, Raz Shlomo, and Sean Goldberg, forming a strong line to resist Belgium’s attacking threats.
In midfield, Manor Solomon is expected to bring creativity and pace on the right flank, while Oscar Gloukh operates on the left side, offering support in both defence and attack. Mohammad Abu Fani and Mahmoud Jaber will anchor the midfield, focusing on disrupting Belgium’s build-up play and providing cover for the backline.
Leading the line will be Dean David, who will serve as Israel’s focal point in attack. Tasked with making the most of counter-attacking opportunities, David will look to stretch Belgium’s defence and capitalize on any chances created by his midfield teammates.
Probable Lineup (5-4-1): Peretz; Dasa, Nachimas, Shlomo, Goldberg, Haziza; Solomon, Abu Fani, Jaber, Gloukh; David
Belgium
Domenico Tedesco is likely to shuffle his lineup after the 1-0 loss to Italy, as the pairing of Lois Openda and Romelu Lukaku did not work as intended. Against a less formidable opponent like Israel, Tedesco may opt for a more attacking setup, introducing Dodi Lukebakio and Johan Bakayoko to provide width and creativity in the final third.
Additionally, Arthur Vermeeren, the young RB Leipzig midfielder, could be promoted from the bench to add fresh legs in midfield. However, Tedesco’s options are limited due to a lengthy injury list and other issues.
Kevin De Bruyne remains unavailable this month, while Thomas Meunier, Jeremy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere, Youri Tielemans, and Malick Fofana are sidelined. These absences leave gaps, particularly in midfield and defence, forcing Belgium to rely on their depth to navigate this crucial match.
In a 4-2-3-1 formation, Koen Casteels is expected to retain his position as Belgium’s goalkeeper, where he will be responsible for organizing the defensive line and ensuring stability at the back. In defence, Timothy Castagne will take up the right-back role, while Zeno Debast and Wout Faes form a solid central defensive partnership. Completing the backline, Arthur Theate is set to occupy the left-back position, adding balance to the defensive quartet.
In midfield, Amadou Onana and Orel Mangala will feature as the double pivot, providing defensive stability and acting as the crucial link between defence and attack. Their presence will be vital in disrupting Israel’s play and transitioning the ball forward effectively.
In the attacking midfield trio, Dodi Lukebakio will offer creativity and width on the right wing, while Johan Bakayoko brings pace and flair on the left flank. Centrally, Leandro Trossard will operate as the playmaker, orchestrating attacking moves and linking up with the forward line.
Leading the attack will be Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time top scorer, who will serve as the focal point in the final third. His ability to hold up the ball, find spaces, and finish clinically will be crucial in breaking down Israel’s defence and securing a positive result for the Red Devils.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Casteels; Castagne, Debast, Faes, Theate; Mangala, Onana; Lukebakio, Trossard, Bakayoko; Lukaku
Key Stats
- Belgium have won four of their last five meetings against Israel in all competitions. The most recent encounter was a 3-1 win for Belgium in September during the ongoing Nations League campaign.
- Israel have failed to win any of their last five Nations League matches (D1 L4), scoring only one goal in that span. They need a three-goal victory here to avoid automatic relegation to League B.
- Belgium have conceded in all five of their Nations League games this season, allowing a total of nine goals. They have only managed one clean sheet in their last seven matches across all competitions.
- Playing at the neutral Bozsik Arena in Budapest, Israel have had limited success away from home in recent competitive matches, failing to win in their last four games played outside their borders.
Player to Watch
Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku remains Belgium’s talisman in attack and the nation’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals. His physicality, ability to hold up play, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the final third. The experienced attacker scored in the 3-1 victory over Israel in September and will look to add to his tally in this decisive clash.
Facing an Israel defence that has conceded regularly in the Nations League, Lukaku’s presence will be pivotal in breaking through their compact setup. With questions surrounding Belgium’s form and the absence of several key players, the Inter Milan striker’s performance will likely determine whether the Red Devils secure the result needed to avoid automatic relegation.
Prediction
Israel 1-2 Belgium
Given Belgium’s superior quality and Israel’s inability to produce high-scoring victories, it is hard to see the Sky-Blue and Whites pulling off the required upset. The visitors should have enough to secure their League A status, even if the win is not emphatic.
Belgium’s experience and attacking options should see them through, while Israel may struggle to break down the Red Devils’ defence. The Hard Tackle predicts a hard-fought 2-1 win for Domenico Tedesco and his charges.