France took a significant step toward the Nations League quarter-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1 on Monday in Group A2. Randal Kolo Muani shined, scoring twice to secure an important away victory for Didier Deschamps’ side, despite finishing the game with 10 men.
Kolo Muani, who has struggled to find consistent playing time at Paris Saint-Germain, delivered a standout performance for Les Bleus, converting a penalty before sealing the win with a powerful second-half header.
“We all know how talented Randal is. His confidence on the pitch makes a big difference,” said Deschamps to TF1 after the match. “He’s dangerous with the ball at his feet and makes things happen with his aerial ability. He’s been very effective for us.”
France had to battle through some adversity after their captain, Aurélien Tchouaméni, was shown a second yellow card late in the game. Yet, the French defense held firm, frustrating Belgium’s attack in the dying minutes.
Tense Start as Belgium Miss Golden Opportunity
Belgium dominated the early stages and looked set to take the lead, but Youri Tielemans squandered a chance from the penalty spot. Deschamps admitted his team struggled to find their rhythm initially, saying, “They pressed us hard in the first 20 to 25 minutes, and we made too many technical errors. It took time to find the right solutions.”
Despite Belgium’s intensity, France found their groove as the match progressed. “We talked to the players during the break, asking them to stay calm and focus. Once we regained control and applied pressure, we were much better,” Deschamps noted.
France’s Youngsters Deliver Without Mbappé
Les Bleus were without Kylian Mbappé, who opted to sit out these Nations League matches, leaving the team reliant on several younger, less experienced players. However, Deschamps was delighted with how his squad responded under pressure.
“This group may be young and inexperienced, but they demonstrated both seriousness and enthusiasm today. Wins like these are valuable for their growth,” Deschamps added.
With Italy leading the group on 10 points, France sits in second with nine, while Belgium lags with just four points. Only the top two teams will advance to the quarter-finals in March 2024, making this victory crucial for France’s campaign.
