Veteran icons defined a night of high-stakes drama in the Nations League on Friday, proving that age remains just a number in elite international football. From Robert Lewandowski’s clinical hat trick to Kevin de Bruyne’s midfield masterclass, the old guard reminded the world that they still possess the talent to dictate the outcome of major matches.
In Liege, 35-year-old Kevin de Bruyne put on a show for the home crowd, powering Belgium to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Turkey in League A. The veteran playmaker looked revitalized, opening the scoring just 10 minutes in after a slick one-two with Dodi Lukébakio. He doubled the lead on the hour mark with a trademark curling strike. Substitute Romelu Lukaku later hammered home the final nail, as Belgium maintained pressure on group leaders France.
“I try to lead by example for the younger players, and they follow easily,” a satisfied De Bruyne said post-match. “I feel I can still contribute. I am enjoying myself, and that is the main thing.” Under the stewardship of new coach Mark van Bommel, Belgium continues to build momentum, sitting just one point behind the French in Group 1.
At the Stade de France, Zinedine Zidane’s highly anticipated home debut as France head coach ended in a tense 1-1 stalemate against Italy. The legendary midfielder received a thunderous welcome from the Parisian crowd, and the mood improved when Michael Olise hammered a curling 20-meter strike off the crossbar to put France ahead in the 55th minute. However, Italy’s defensive resilience paid off later in the half, as central defender Alessandro Bastoni capitalized on a lapse in the French backline to slot home the equalizer.
Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski showcased his enduring lethal touch for Poland. The 38-year-old Chicago Fire striker dismantled Romania in a 6-0 rout in League B. Lewandowski drew a penalty in the 24th minute—which also saw Romania’s Radu Dragusin sent off—before adding two more goals to complete his hat trick and emphasize Poland’s total dominance.
The night also marked an emotional farewell for another Balkan legend. Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Edin Džeko played his final international match in a 1-1 draw against Sweden. At 40, Džeko retires after a storied 20-year career that included 152 appearances and 73 goals, cementing his status as his nation’s greatest-ever player. Substituted in the 63rd minute, the veteran was honored with a guard of honor from his teammates, closing the curtain on an era that saw Bosnia reach two World Cups.
In other League B action, Northern Ireland made a statement by defeating Ukraine 3-0, courtesy of a brace from Ciaron Brown. As the Nations League group stages approach their conclusion, the mix of veteran wisdom and fresh ambition is setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
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