September 09, (THEWILL) – France bounced back from their recent defeat against Italy with a 2-0 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League. The win keeps France unbeaten against Belgium in competitive international football and opens up Group A2.
Manager Didier Deschamps made eight changes to the team that lost 3-1 to Italy. Despite a shaky start, France took control of the match. Randal Kolo Muani scored the opening goal after Ousmane Dembele’s shot was parried by Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
In the second half, France extended their lead through Dembele, who scored with a powerful shot from the right wing. The introduction of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann late in the game further strengthened France’s position, although Mbappe was denied three times by Casteels.
The victory puts France level on points with Belgium, with both teams now focusing on catching group leaders Italy in next month’s fixtures. The match, played in humid conditions at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais, saw France overcome early Belgian pressure to dominate the second half.
Manu Kone, making his first start for France, overcame a nervous beginning to play a key role in the team’s improved second-half performance. The result throws the group wide open and sets up an exciting conclusion to this stage of the Nations League.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
