France edged Belgium 2-1 in a tense UEFA Nations League match in Brussels, with Randal Kolo Muani scoring twice to boost France’s hopes of reaching the quarterfinals. Despite playing the final minutes with 10 men, France held off a determined Belgian side, which missed key opportunities, including a penalty.
Belgium had an early chance to go ahead when Lois Openda won a penalty after being brought down by William Saliba. However, captain Youri Tielemans blasted the spot-kick over the bar, letting France off the hook.
France then capitalized on a mistake from Wout Faes, who handled the ball in the box. Kolo Muani stepped up and confidently converted the penalty in the 35th minute, sending goalkeeper Koen Casteels the wrong way.
Just before halftime, Belgium found their equalizer. Openda headed in a well-placed cross from Timothy Castagne, with VAR overturning an initial offside decision.
The second half saw both teams push for a winner, and it was Kolo Muani who delivered again in the 62nd minute. He headed in Lucas Digne’s cross, giving France the lead for good. Belgium piled on the pressure, especially after France’s Aurelien Tchouameni was sent off with 14 minutes remaining for a second yellow card.
Despite Belgium’s efforts, including several late chances, they couldn’t break through France’s defense. Belgium missed the creativity of Kevin De Bruyne and the finishing of Romelu Lukaku, who were both absent from the squad. Meanwhile, France was without their star forward Kylian Mbappe.
With this victory, France moves to second place in Group A2 with 9 points, just behind Italy, who lead with 10 points. Belgium sits in third with 4 points, facing the risk of a relegation play-off.
“It was a tough match, but we showed our resilience,” said France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who made several key saves. “The most important thing is that we won.”
Belgium’s Wout Faes was left to rue their missed chances. “We played well but couldn’t capitalize. It’s really tough to lose like this,” he said.
France will now look to secure their quarterfinal spot in the final group matches, while Belgium must regroup to avoid the drop.
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