The tournament might not kick-off for the best part of two years, but the extended international break offered some early clues as to how the challengers are shaping up
Ireland's Nations League fixture against Austria was temporarily suspended after furious supporters launched hundreds of tennis balls onto the pitch. The coordinated protest at the Aviva Stadium was staged in direct opposition to Ireland continuing to fulfil their scheduled international fixtures against Israel amid the ongoing military conflict, reflecting deep public anger.
Israel forward Saied Abu Farchi was sent off in truly bizarre circumstances during Thursday's UEFA Nations League defeat to Austria. He received a second yellow card after scoring a crucial equaliser and celebrating by using the corner flag as a simulated weapon, leaving his team a man down before they eventually conceded two late goals in a 3-1 loss.
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Austria
