France overcame a sluggish start to defeat Belgium 2-0 on Monday. This victory
gave France their first points of the Nations League season. Randal Kolo Muani’s
brilliant strike and Ousmane Dembele’s left-footed shot gave France a much-
needed win. The French team responded well, substituting eight players,
including their star striker Kylian Mbappe, in the starting lineup following their 3-1
loss to Italy in their opening Group A2 match in Paris last week.
However, they had to withstand early assaults from their opponents before
getting into a rhythm and making an impact on the match. This time, Belgium
came out swinging, creating opportunities for Lois Openda in a brilliant opening
before France established their rhythm.
But the hosts took the lead in the 29th minute through their forward player Kolo
Muani, who scored from close range after Belgium goalkeeper Koen Casteels
made a one-handed save from Dembele’s scuffed attempt. Dembele, who has
always had a threatening appearance, was rewarded in the 57th minute when he
found space to shoot a fantastic shot past Casteels after skipping sideways along
the edge of the Belgium box.
Belgium didn’t look particularly dangerous until Charles De Ketelaere entered the
field in the 69th minute of the game and promptly had a chance on goal. Belgium
captain Kevin De Bruyne made two quite ineffective attempts, capping an
otherwise disappointing evening for the team.
Bradley Barcola, who was taunted by the home fans after moving from Olympique
Lyonnais to PSG last season, was brought on in the 67th minute along with
Mbappe. Mbappe appeared bright as the 25-year-old player attempted to add his
name to the scoresheet. Ten minutes from time, he missed barely from a tight
angle, and in the 86th minute, Casteels stopped a fine effort from him.
We were a little nervous at the start of the match, then we did a lot of good
things collectively, individually too, with new players who didn’t have the
experience of France coach Didier Deschamps after his men secured a crucial win.
The first 25 minutes and the last 25 minutes we played with the right mentality;
Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco told reporters. Everything in between was not
enough for me. Then you see that France is just a step ahead. When we lost our
patience, they stayed calm and hurt us a lot with their power, he added.

Belgium captain De Bruyne launched an angry tirade against his teammates after
the loss. I can’t say here what went wrong. I already did that to the team at
halftime, he said. I cannot repeat that in the media, but it has to be better in
every way, he said. If the standard we want to reach is the best, but we’re no
longer good enough to get to that level, then you have to give everything. If you
don’t even do that, it’s over, the 33-year-old midfielder added.
I can accept that we’re not as good as in 2018 when Belgium reached the World
Cup semifinals in Russia. I was the first to see that, but other things are
unacceptable. I’m not going to say what. We are too many at the back. If you stay
with six at the back, there is no connection, he stated.
Meanwhile, Italy opened up a three-point lead and grabbed the top spot in Group
A2 after beating Israel 2-1 on Monday in Budapest. Davide Frattesi and Moise
Kean scored a goal each, helping their side to maintain a perfect record,
registering two wins in two matches. On the other hand, Belgium, who won their
last fixture against Israel 3-1 in Hungary last Friday, is tied with France on three
points.