Nations League debuts to forget for Belec and Jankto as Slovenia and Czech Republic lose

The UEFA Nations League did not get off to the best start for the Sampdoria players away representing their national teams.

Vid Belec conceded two as Slovenia were beaten 2-1 by Bulgaria in their Group C (League 3) clash. Kraev gave Bulgaria the lead after just three minutes at Stozice Stadium in Ljubljana, and though Empoli’s Zajc drew the hosts level five minutes before half time it was Kraev who found the net again in the 59th minute to secure the win for Bulgaria. Slovenia will be looking to bounce back against Cyprus at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia on Sunday 9 September.

There was disappointment too for Jakub Jankto and the Czech Republic, as Ukraine came from behind to record a 2-1 win at the Mestysky Stadium in Uherske Hradiste. Former Doria man Patrik Schick gave the Czechs the lead on 4 minutes, but the visitors drew level in the first minute of first-half stoppage time through Konoplyanka – before Zinchenko nicked the winner with 93 minutes on the clock.

Jankto and Co. head to Rostov in Russia for a friendly match on Monday 10 September.