Staff Reporter.
Kevin de Bruyne scored twice as Belgium opened their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 3-1 victory over Israel behind closed doors in Debrecen in Hungary.
Several Belgian cities refused to host the home game over security fears relating to the Israel-Gaza war.
In October, a gunman killed two Swedes before Belgium’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, which hosts most of their games.
In Debrecen, De Bruyne sidefooted Belgium into the lead following a cutback from Manchester City team-mate Jeremy Doku.
But Israel levelled when Anan Khalaili’s header took a huge deflection off Timothy Castagne before flying into the net.
Belgium restored their lead three minutes into the second half when Youri Tielemans struck a powerful drive from Lois Openda’s lay-off, and captain De Bruyne claimed his second with a 52nd-minute penalty.
Belgium won another penalty four minutes later which Openda took, but it was saved.
The victory left Belgium tied atop Group 2 in the top-tier League A with Italy who beat France by the same score.