UEFA NATIONS LGE Germans relegated after Dutch end world champions’ unbeaten run
AMSTERDAM: Holland deservedly beat France in the Nations League to end the world champions’ 15-game unbeaten run and relegate Germany.
Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum struck from close range after Hugo Lloris parried a Ryan Babel shot.
Lloris made a host of top saves to stop a thrashing – but Memphis Depay’s dinked penalty in injury time made sure of the win.
A Dutch draw in Germany on Monday would see them win the group.
That would take Ronald Koeman’s side into next June’s Nations League finals – at the expense of France, who had only needed a point in Rotterdam to seal top spot.
The winners of each group are also guaranteed a Euro 2020 play-off place if they fail to progress from qualification next year.
France can still win the group if the Germans, who will be in the Nations League second tier in 2020, beat the Dutch.
Elsewhere, Gibraltar’s Euro 2020 dream is almost certainly over after a 6-2 hammering by Armenia.
Macedonia remain top of that group – and are 90 minutes away from the play-offs – thanks to a 2-0 win in Liechstenstein.
Wales’ promotion bid is over after a 2-1 defeat by Denmark – who win the group and a place in the 2020 top flight. That result relegates the Republic of Ireland.
Brazil win
A Neymar penalty earned Brazil victory against Uruguay in a fiercely contested friendly at Arsenal.
The Paris St-Germain striker converted from the spot after Diego Laxalt was harshly adjudged to have fouled Manchester City’s Danilo. Neymar was the subject of repeated fouls, with Uruguay receiving six yellow cards from referee Craig Pawson. Uruguay have now failed to beat their South American rivals in 10 meetings.
Both sides named strong line-ups, with Brazil featuring Liverpool players Alisson and Roberto Firmino, while Everton’s Richarlison came off the bench. Arsenal’s Lucas Torreira, playing on his home ground, was one of those players guilty of fouling Neymar, picking up a yellow card for one particularly strong challenge.
Barcelona forward Luis Suarez had Uruguay’s best efforts, going close with a dipping long-range shot and a free-kick, both of which were saved by Alisson. Brazil are building towards the 2019 Copa America on home soil and continue their preparations for that tournament when they face Cameroon – managed by former Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf – in Milton Keynes on Tuesday.
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