Belec and Jankto at risk of Nations League relegation, Ekdal and Praet in friendly draws

Jakub Jankto and Vid Belec are at risk of being relegated in the Nations League after Czech Republic and Slovenia recorded a defeat and a draw respectively on Tuesday.

Czech Republic find themselves in a spot of trouble in Group 1 (League B) after their 1-0 defeat to the Ukraine in Kharkiv. Jakub Jankto played 81 minutes but Malinovsky’s 43rd-minute strike meant the home side ran out victorious. Ukraine are the group leaders, while Czech Republic remain on three points and at risk of relegation.

Slovenia got their first point of the campaign to keep their faint hopes of salvation alive in Group 3 (League C). Vid Belec played the full 90 minutes in Ljubljana as Slovenia were held to a 1-1 draw by Cyprus. The Cypriots took the lead on 37 minutes through Papoulis, but were reduced to ten men six minutes after the hour following a red card to Kastanos. Skubic levelled things up for the hosts on 83 minutes, while Ilicic was sent off late on for Slovenia.

In friendly action, Dennis Praet came off the bench at half time as Belgium drew 1-1 with Holland. Mertens put the Belgians ahead on 5 minutes in Brussels, but Groeneveld levelled the scores in the 27th minute. Praet performed well during his time on the pitch.

Albin Ekdal returned to the Sweden fold after missing the Nations League clash against Russia. The midfielder played 82 minutes as the Swedes drew 1-1 with Slovakia in Solna (Guidetti 52, Rusnak 84).