Ukraine, Scotland, and Turkey Win in UEFA Nations League Playoffs
Ukraine’s Comeback Victory Over Belgium
Ukraine came from behind to beat visitors Belgium 3-1 in the first leg of their Nations League playoff on Thursday, moving into a strong position to earn promotion to the competition’s top tier. The team’s Oleksiy Hutsulyak, Vladyslav Vanat, and Ilya Zabarnyi secured the comeback after Romelu Lukaku had put Belgium in front after 40 minutes, nodding home from a Kevin De Bruyne free kick in coach Rudi Garcia’s first game in charge.
Scotland’s Advantage in Playoff Tie
Scotland earned a 1-0 advantage over Greece among the other League A/B playoff ties after Scott McTominay converted a first-half penalty following a foul by Lazaros Rota to make it 11 goals in his last 22 international appearances.
Turkey’s Victory Over Hungary
Turkey beat Hungary 3-1 in the early kick-off after Orkun Kokcu gave them an early lead. Hungary’s Andras Schafer levelled, but Kerem Akturkoglu and Irfan Can Kahveci netted quick-fire goals for Turkey in the second half, sealing the win for the hosts.
Other Results
In the League B/C playoffs, Ireland recovered to overcome hosts Bulgaria 2-1, Kosovo beat visitors Iceland 2-1, Slovakia drew 0-0 at home to Slovenia, and Georgia beat Armenia 3-0 away.
Conclusion
Ukraine, Scotland, and Turkey have put themselves in a strong position to earn promotion to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League. The teams will look to build on their victories in the return leg of the playoffs, with all higher-ranked teams hosting the second-leg games.
FAQs
- What is the UEFA Nations League playoff?
The UEFA Nations League playoff is a competition that determines the promotion and relegation of teams between the top and second tier of the UEFA Nations League. - How many teams have won in the first leg of the playoff?
Three teams, Ukraine, Scotland, and Turkey, have won in the first leg of the playoff. - What is the format of the playoff?
The playoff consists of two legs, with the higher-ranked team hosting the second leg. The team with the higher aggregate score at the end of the two legs will be promoted or relegated.