In a thrilling encounter that saw drama unfold on both sides of the pitch, France emerged victorious against Belgium in the UEFA Nations League, winning 2-1 away at the King Baudouin Stadium. The match was a testament to the resilience of the French squad, who secured their second win of the international break despite the absence of their star striker Kylian Mbappé.
The first half was a rollercoaster of emotions. Belgium had a golden opportunity to take the lead early on when Youri Tielemans was awarded a penalty, but the Aston Villa midfielder blazed the spot-kick over the bar. France capitalized on this missed chance, earning a penalty of their own when Wout Faes handled the ball in the box. Randal Kolo Muani, who has faced a challenging start to the season with PSG, stepped up and confidently slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.
However, Belgium was not to be deterred. Lois Openda, capitalizing on a well-placed Timothy Castagne cross, headed in a goal in the final minutes of the first half, leveling the score at 1-1. France’s efforts to regain the lead were thwarted shortly after the hour mark when Manu Kone’s strike was ruled out for a handball by Kolo Muani in the buildup.
Undeterred, Kolo Muani, who isn’t a regular starter for PSG, proved his worth once again. In the 62nd minute, he rose high to meet a perfectly delivered Lucas Digne cross, heading the ball into the back of the net to give France the lead.
The match took another dramatic turn when Aurelien Tchouameni, France’s stand-in captain, received his second yellow card for tripping Tielemans, leaving his team with 10 men. Despite facing this setback, France held on resolutely, defending their lead with determination and resilience.
This victory is a significant boost for France as they continue their pursuit of a quarterfinal berth in the Nations League. They are now just one point behind group leaders Italy, who also won their match on Monday. The final group games next month will determine whether France can secure their place in the last eight.
The match also showcased the brilliance of Kolo Muani, who has shown glimpses of his potential despite his struggles at club level. His two goals, including the game-winning header, demonstrate his ability to make a crucial impact on the field.
This victory was a testament to France’s team spirit and their ability to overcome challenges. While Mbappé’s absence was noticeable, the team rallied around their stand-in captain Tchouameni and delivered a performance full of grit and determination.
The next month promises to be a crucial period for France as they aim to secure their place in the Nations League quarter-finals. With the return of Kylian Mbappé, the French team will be hoping to maintain their momentum and continue their impressive run in the tournament.