In a thrilling UEFA Nations League encounter, France secured a 2-1 victory over Belgium at the King Baudouin Stadium, with Randal Kolo Muani emerging as the hero of the night. The French forward scored twice, showcasing exceptional skill and determination in the absence of injured captain Kylian Mbappé.
Belgium had an early opportunity to take the lead when they were awarded a penalty, but Youri Tielemans failed to capitalize, missing the spot-kick that could have set a different tone for the match. The miss proved costly as Kolo Muani converted a penalty for France in the 35th minute, calmly slotting the ball past the Belgian goalkeeper.
Just before the halftime whistle, Belgium’s Lois Openda equalized, injecting new energy into the home side. The momentum carried into the second half, but it was Kolo Muani who struck again, heading in the winning goal just after the hour mark. His performance not only boosted France’s standing in the group but also solidified his position as a key player for the national team.
The match took a tense turn when France’s stand-in captain, Aurélien Tchouaméni, received a red card late in the game, leaving France to defend their lead with ten men. Despite the pressure, the French defense held firm, securing their second consecutive win in the Group A2 fixture.
France’s victory highlights their depth and resilience, particularly as they continue to perform without Mbappé, who is recovering from a thigh injury. The team’s ability to adapt and thrive underlines their status as strong contenders in the competition.
Reference(s):
UEFA Nations League: France edge Belgium, Germany outclass Netherlands
cgtn.com
