Randal Kolo Muani scored twice as France triumphed 2-1 over Belgium in an action-packed UEFA Nations League encounter in Brussels. The match was filled with drama, including two penalties, a red card, and multiple VAR interventions that kept both sets of fans on edge.
Belgium started the game on the front foot and were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead when Youri Tielemans was fouled in the box by William Saliba. The incident, which initially went unnoticed, was reviewed by the video assistant referee (VAR) and resulted in a penalty. However, Tielemans squandered the chance by blasting his shot high over the bar, much to the relief of Saliba and the French defense.
Just minutes later, VAR intervened again, this time in France’s favour. Wout Faes was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area after a scramble on the ground, leading to a French penalty. Randal Kolo Muani stepped up confidently and sent Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels the wrong way to open the scoring in the 35th minute.
Belgium fought back immediately, and just before the halftime whistle, they found an equalizer. Lois Openda rose highest to head in a well-placed cross from Timothy Castagne. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but after a lengthy VAR check, it was overturned, and Belgium drew level.
France nearly regained their lead early in the second half through Manu Koné, who fired a shot into the net after a scramble in the box. However, VAR once again came into play, ruling the goal out due to a handball by Kolo Muani in the buildup.
Despite the disallowed goal, Kolo Muani remained the hero for France. In the 62nd minute, the Paris Saint-Germain forward scored his second goal of the night, heading home a pinpoint cross from Lucas Digne. The 24-year-old’s powerful header proved decisive, giving France a 2-1 advantage.
France’s evening took a tense turn when captain Aurelien Tchouameni was sent off for a second yellow card in the 76th minute. The Real Madrid midfielder was penalized for clipping Tielemans just outside the box, reducing France to 10 men for the final stages of the game.
Belgium, desperate to salvage a point, applied relentless pressure in the closing minutes. However, France’s defense, led by goalkeeper Mike Maignan, stood firm, denying Belgium an equalizer and securing a crucial victory for Les Bleus.
Meanwhile, Italy cruised to a 4-1 victory over Israel in Udine, a game that saw Israel play their first match outside of Hungary this year due to the ongoing conflict in their home country. The win solidified Italy’s place at the top of Group A2 with 10 points, while France, with nine points, remain just behind. Belgium, with four points, now face the prospect of a relegation-promotion play-off as they sit third in the group standings.
France’s hard-fought win keeps them in contention for the top spot in Group A2, with only one point separating them from Italy. Belgium, on the other hand, are left with an uphill battle to avoid relegation. With the Nations League group stage drawing to a close, every point will be crucial in the final rounds.
