Rangers star sees blushes spared in Nations League triumph as Ibrox teammate starts against World Champions
Two of Rangers’ eleven internationalists were in action on Thursday night
Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin helped Belgium escape Turkey with all three points despite an early careless moment in the UEFA Nations League.
The Red Devils came from behind to win 2-1 at the Gursel Aksel Stadium in Goztepe. The victory keeps their hopes alive of topping group one of League A going into their final match against Italy on Sunday. Raskin, who has been a regular starter for his country over the past 18 months, completed all but 30 second of the match after being substituted for Hans Vanaken in the 93rd minute.
Raskin’s early blushes spared in Belgium victory
Despite the visitors prevailing, the standout on the pitch was Turkey’s starboy Arda Guler. In the first half, Raskin was penalised 30 yards from goal for a push on the Real Madrid attacker, who smashed the subsequent free kick into the top corner. The Rangers midfielder at times struggled to handle Guler, however after the match, Belgium boss Mark van Bommel conceded he gave the whole team ‘nightmares’.
Despite the early setback, Belgium were able to respond quickly through veteran midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and striker Charles De Ketelaere, as they took a 2-1 lead into the break. An end-to-end second half followed - but Raskin and co were able to hold on for the three points.
Light Blues in-form man faces World Cup winners
Also in action on the international stage was Rangers’ in-form striker Ryan Naderi, who wasn’t able to get on the scoresheet for Czechia at home to World Cup winners Spain. Against an El Clasico defensive partnership of Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi and Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen, the 23-year old can perhaps be forgiven for having a fairly quiet evening at the Apet Arena in Prague, as the visitors won 2-0.
The match marked cap number three for the Dresden-born forward, who swore allegiance to Czechia in September despite also being eligible for Germany and Bulgaria. He completed 66 minutes against Spain before he was substituted for 18-year old striker Idris Hopi.
Elsewhere, Ivor Pandur’s Croatia were defeated 2-1 by England as Ballon D’or winner Harry Kane bagged the winner from the penalty spot. However, the Rangers goalkeeper was an unused substitute at Wembley.
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