Ousmane Dembele scored a stunning solo goal to help France secure a 2-0 victory over Belgium in the Nations League. Randal Kolo Muani had earlier given France the lead against the run of play. Belgium had a strong start to the game, but failed to convert their chances, with Dodi Lukebakio hitting the post early on. France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan also made a crucial save to deny Lois Openda an easy tap-in. However, France capitalized on their opportunities and sealed the win with Dembele’s excellent goal in the second half.
Belgium struggled to create clear-cut chances in the second half, with Kevin De Bruyne trying to spark some creativity in the team. However, they were unable to break down France’s defense and lacked a cutting edge in the final third. This lackluster performance is a concern for Belgium, especially after their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign. Coach Domenico Tedesco will need to find solutions to improve their attacking play and competitiveness against top teams.
N’Golo Kante was named the Player of the Match for his dominant performance in the midfield. After a stellar showing at Euro 2024, Kante continued to impress with his control and influence on the game. He played a crucial role in both of France’s goals and helped his team maintain a solid defensive shape. Kante’s resurgence in form has been a huge boost for France, whose midfield strength has been a key factor in their recent success.
The player ratings for both teams reflected the overall performance of the players on the day. France’s defense held firm, with Maignan making important saves and Kante dictating the play in midfield. Dembele and Kolo Muani provided the attacking threat that Belgium struggled to contain. Belgium’s players, including De Bruyne and Lukebakio, were unable to make a significant impact on the game, highlighting their struggles in front of goal.
Key moments in the match included Lukebakio hitting the post early on, a missed opportunity for Belgium to take the lead. France then capitalized on their chance with Kolo Muani’s goal against the run of play. Dembele’s superb solo effort in the second half sealed the win for France, showcasing their clinical finishing. Mbappe also had a chance to extend the lead, but was denied by Belgium’s goalkeeper Casteels.
Overall, France’s victory over Belgium in the Nations League was a strong bounce-back performance after their defeat to Italy in the previous match. Their combination of solid defense, midfield control, and attacking prowess proved too much for Belgium to handle. With key players like Kante and Dembele leading the way, France looks capable of competing at the highest level and maintaining their status as one of the top teams in international football.
