Netherland secured an important win against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League top tier while France escaped relegation by whiskers.
Meanwhile, Wales have been relegated from the top tier of the Nations League after they were beaten at home by Poland.
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The visitors needed only a draw to secure their survival at Wales’ expense. Poland had the better of a goalless but full-blooded first half in which tempers flared more often than either side was able to create chances to score.
Poland deservedly led after an hour as captain Robert Lewandowski’s beautiful touch set up Karol Swiderski to finish between Wayne Hennessey’s legs and spark wild celebrations among the raucous travelling fans.
Wales had chances to equalise, with Brennan Johnson’s low shot superbly saved by Wojciech Szczesny before Gareth Bale headed against the crossbar in added time.
But Lewandowski’s moment of inspiration was a worthy decisive contribution in an encounter otherwise relatively low on quality.
Netherland make semis
The Netherlands have qualified for the Nations League semi-finals with Virgil van Dijk’s header securing victory over Belgium at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
Louis van Gaal’s side needed to avoid defeat by three goals against second-placed Belgium and they eventually won. They had beaten Belgium 4-1 in the reverse fixture in June.
But they made certain of their progress when Liverpool defender Van Dijk met Cody Gakpo’s corner after 73 minutes.
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ā OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) September 26, 2022
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The Dutch ended their group campaign unbeaten, six points clear of Belgium.
Joining Netherlands in the finals are Italyand Croatia. The last spot is left for either Spain or Portugal that will clash today in Braga.
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