After a disappointing home loss to Italy, France got back to winning ways by defeating Belgium 2-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Monday night. The goals, courtesy of Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele, were enough to secure a much-needed victory for Les Bleus, who were looking to recover after their underwhelming performance in their last match.
The match took place in Lyon, where France coach Didier Deschamps made several bold decisions to rotate his squad. Eight changes were made from the team that started in the 3-1 loss to Italy, including the decision to rest captain Kylian Mbappe. Deschamps’ tactical shuffle seemed to pay off, as the French side looked more cohesive and energetic despite some early jitters.
“I’m very pleased with the way we reacted today,” Deschamps said following the victory. “The first 20 minutes were difficult, but we found our feet and responded well. It’s a step in the right direction, though there’s still work to be done.”
Slow Start, Swift Comeback
Despite the eventual outcome, the match didn’t start particularly well for France. Belgium came out strong, with captain Kevin De Bruyne leading a dynamic midfield that caused early problems for the French defense. Belgium controlled much of the opening exchanges, forcing France to stay organized at the back. The French team, however, gradually settled into the game and began creating opportunities of their own.
France finally broke through just before the half-hour mark. Ousmane Dembele found space down the right wing and fired a shot at Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels. The shot, though mishit, was parried straight into the path of Randal Kolo Muani, who reacted quickly to tap the ball into the net, giving France a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute. It was a crucial moment that shifted the momentum in France’s favor.
Kolo Muani’s goal injected confidence into the French side, who began controlling possession more effectively. Belgium, meanwhile, struggled to find a response as France’s defense, led by Ibrahima Konate and Jules Kounde, successfully kept De Bruyne and Belgium’s attacking players at bay.
Dembele’s Moment of Brilliance
As Belgium pushed for an equalizer in the second half, it was Ousmane Dembele who delivered the killer blow. In the 57th minute, the Paris Saint-Germain winger picked up the ball on the right flank, skipped past two Belgian defenders, and unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that sailed past Casteels into the back of the net. The goal not only doubled France’s lead but also highlighted Dembele’s individual brilliance and France’s improved attacking play.
Dembele’s performance was a significant boost for France, especially after their lackluster display against Italy just days earlier. The 26-year-old winger was a constant threat throughout the match, and his energy and creativity were key to France’s overall performance.
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Tactical Changes and Defensive Solidity
Deschamps made a series of substitutions in the second half to manage the game and give some of his key players a rest. Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and Michael Olise were all brought on, further bolstering the French attack as they sought to maintain control of the match. While Belgium continued to push forward in search of a goal, France’s defense remained solid, frustrating Belgium’s attackers and limiting them to only a handful of chances.
Belgium, who came into the match fresh from a 3-1 win over Israel, struggled to break down a resilient French defense. De Bruyne, despite his best efforts, was unable to unlock the French backline, and Belgium’s attack lacked the cutting edge needed to seriously threaten France’s lead.
Deschamps Relieved but Cautious
While the victory brought relief to Deschamps and his team, the coach remained cautious in his post-match assessment. “It’s a step in the right direction, but I’m not going to say everything is perfect now,” he remarked. “We have to build on this win and improve in certain areas. Belgium caused us problems at times, and we need to be better moving forward.”
France’s win puts them level with Belgium on three points in Group A2 of the UEFA Nations League. Italy leads the group with six points after defeating Israel 2-1 in their match. France’s next Nations League fixtures will take place in October, where they will face Israel on neutral ground in Budapest, while Belgium will travel to Rome to take on group leaders Italy.
Looking Ahead
The win against Belgium will certainly boost France’s confidence, but Deschamps knows there is still a long way to go in the competition. The upcoming match against Israel provides another opportunity for Les Bleus to fine-tune their tactics and build momentum as they aim to secure a place in the knockout stages of the Nations League.
For now, though, France can take pride in their response to adversity, as Kolo Muani and Dembele led the way in what was a crucial win for Deschamps and his team. The road ahead may still be challenging, but this victory could prove to be a turning point in France’s Nations League campaign.
