Fri Nov 15 17:11:13 IST 2024: ## France and Italy Advance to Nations League Quarterfinals, England Cruises Past Greece

**Saint-Denis, France (AP) -** France secured its spot in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals despite a 0-0 draw with Israel at the Stade de France on Thursday. The match, played under heightened security measures following violent incidents involving Israeli fans in Amsterdam last week, saw a tense atmosphere with over 4,000 police officers deployed.

The draw was enough to secure France’s top-two finish in Group 2, joining Italy which defeated Belgium 1-0 away thanks to Sandro Tonali’s 11th-minute goal. The two teams will now face each other in Milan on Sunday to determine their final group standings.

Meanwhile, England celebrated a resounding 3-0 victory over Greece in Athens. Ollie Watkins scored in the seventh minute, followed by an own-goal from Greece and a late strike by debutant Curtis Jones. The win marked England’s revenge after their surprising loss to Greece last month.

The game was also noteworthy for the absence of Harry Kane, who was dropped to the bench by interim coach Lee Carsley in favor of Watkins. England will now face Tuchel’s arrival in January as the new manager.

In other Nations League action, Norway secured a 4-1 win over Slovenia with Erling Haaland netting another goal. The result ensures Norway’s place among the second seeds for the World Cup qualifying draw on December 13.

The Nations League quarterfinals are set to take place in March, with the final four teams competing for the title in June. Germany and Spain had already qualified for the quarterfinals in October.

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