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Belgium, Turkey off to a flying start in World Cup qualifying

Mar 25, 2021

Image: Reuters

Holders France have been held to a surprise 1-1 draw by Ukraine in the opening match of their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Antoine Griezmann had given the French an early lead only for them to concede an own-goal in the second half.

Image: Reuters

There was also a surprise result in Istanbul…where Turkey pulled off a shock 4-2 win over The Netherlands.

Burak Yilmaz was the hero for the home side with a hattrick.

Image: Reuters

Meanwhile, Belgium’s campaign is off to a flying start with a 3-1 win over Wales.

The Belgians fell behind after just 10 minutes, but fought back with goals from Kevin DeBruyne, Thorgan Hazard and Romelu Lukaku.

Prior to this, Belgium had failed to beat Wales in their previous four encounters, including the shock defeat to the Welsh at the Euro 2016 quarterfinals.

Other results saw 2018 finalists Croatia fall to an upset 1-0 defeat to Slovenia.

While Portugal edged past Azerbaijan 1-0.

Image: Reuters

There are rumours that Luis Suarez could return to his former club Liverpool, if the Reds end up selling Mo Salah this summer.

Suarez has been in fine form for Atletico Madrid this season, scoring 19 league goals.

Salah, meanwhile, has reportedly attracted the interest of Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSG.

Image: Reuters

Juventus vice-president Pavel Nedved has assured that both Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Andrea Pirlo will remain at the club next season.

This, despite Pirlo and Ronaldo coming under fire for Juve’s Champions League exit and struggles in the Serie A.