In a pulsating UEFA Nations League (UNL) Group A2 encounter, ten-man France dug deep to secure a narrow 2-1 victory over Belgium at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels. This hard-fought win extended Les Bleus’ winning streak against Belgium to five matches and placed them in a solid position to challenge Italy at the top of the group.
A Heated Start in Brussels
Both teams entered the match with everything to play for, knowing that only a victory would keep their hopes of reaching the UNL quarter-finals alive. Belgium, buoyed by the home crowd, started brightly. Loïs Openda had two golden opportunities early on but couldn’t find the back of the net. First, a superb cross from Jérémy Doku almost allowed Openda to sneak past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, but it was narrowly missed. Moments later, Openda’s attempt from a Youri Tielemans delivery rolled agonizingly wide of the post.
Belgium’s pressure paid off in the 23rd minute when Openda was brought down in the box by France’s William Saliba, leading to a penalty after a lengthy VAR review. However, the hosts squandered their chance as Tielemans blazed his spot-kick over the bar, much to the relief of the French defense.
France Strikes Back
Despite Belgium’s early dominance, France did not falter. They fought their way back into the match, displaying the resolve that has become a hallmark of Les Bleus under Didier Deschamps. Their efforts were rewarded when Bradley Barcola’s quick feet forced a penalty after Wout Faes unintentionally handled the ball in the box. Randal Kolo Muani calmly converted the penalty, sending Koen Casteels the wrong way to give France a crucial 1-0 lead.
Belgium responded in style just as France looked set to go into halftime with a slender advantage. Timothy Castagne whipped in a perfect cross for Openda, who made no mistake this time, heading the ball home to bring the Red Devils level right before the interval.
A Battle to the Final Whistle
The second half began with both teams searching for the decisive goal. France thought they had found it when Manu Koné fired the ball into the net, but celebrations were cut short as VAR ruled out the goal for a handball by Kolo Muani during the build-up.
Undeterred, France regained their lead when Kolo Muani, determined to make amends, met a pinpoint cross from Lucas Digne and guided it past Casteels. Belgium’s hopes of a comeback were significantly boosted when Aurélien Tchouaméni received a second yellow card for a cynical foul, reducing France to ten men. However, the French defense held firm, frustrating the Belgian attack and securing the vital three points.
France March On, Belgium’s Hopes Fade
This victory strengthens France’s grip on second place in Group A2, just one point behind leaders Italy, with two matches left to play. The defeat leaves Belgium five points adrift of their rivals, with any chance of making the UNL quarter-finals slipping away. Now, Domenico Tedesco’s men face the genuine prospect of battling to avoid relegation.
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Conclusion
France’s resilience and clinical finishing ultimately proved the difference in a tightly contested match, and they now look set to push Italy for a place in the UNL quarter-finals. Belgium, on the other hand, will have to regroup as they face the possibility of relegation. With two games left, all eyes will be on Les Bleus to see if they can maintain their momentum and leapfrog Italy in the race for the top spot.
This match was a thrilling reminder that football is not over until the final whistle, and the Nations League continues to deliver unforgettable moments for fans worldwide.
