The French number 12 guided his team to victory and 3 points. A success which allows Didier Deschamps’ men to widen the gap on Belgium and stay in contact with Italy in the rankings. The French are in second position with 9 points on the clock. The quarter-finals of the Nations League are getting closer…
On the other side, the Red Devils end this international bracket with a draw, a defeat and third place in the group with 4 points.
A strange first act
From the start of the meeting, Belgium showed that it was at home. Between intense pressing on the French block and rapid play forward, the Red Devils put the French under water who are unable to bring out the balls and chain passes.
A well-controlled start to the match by Domenico Tedesco’s men who will be rewarded. Lois Openda goes alone at goal before being caught and cut down in the area by William Saliba (22nd). An indisputable penalty but verified by the VAR. A missed penalty by Youri Tielemans who sends his shot well above Mike Maignan’s cage (0-0).
A miss which galvanized Didier Deschamps’ men who brought up their team block and who reacted immediately by obtaining a penalty (33rd). Designated number 1 shooter in the absence of Kylian Mbappé, Randal Kolo Muani transforms him by wrong-footing Koen Casteels (1-0, 35th).
Despite mastering the ball, the Tricolores were surprised and joined in the final minutes of the first act with a header from Lois Openda (1-1, 45+4).
A red for the Blues, and the Kolo Muani show
Annoyed by the Belgian equalizer at the end of the first period, the Blues will quickly add impact and aggression to take control of the game. Ingredients that will bear fruit. Ousmane Dembélé’s partners will prove more and more dangerous before finding the fault.
Positioned on the left, Lucas Digne delivers a magnificent cross into the area on the head of Randal Kolo Muani who dominates the entire opposing defense in the air (2-1, 62nd). A goal which is good for the Blues and which will give the Belgians a massive blow.
Despite Aurélien Tchouameni’s red card at the end of the match (76th), the 2018 world champions will not falter defensively despite the attacks of their opponents. A success which once again shows French superiority over the Belgians.
