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France secured a crucial 2-1 win against Belgium at the Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels in League A Group 2 of the UEFA Nations League on Monday, October 14.
The result sees Les Bleus move to nine points from four games, one behind group toppers Italy, and five clear of Belgium in third place.
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Both Belgium and France made good starts to the game as they looked to each grab the initiative in an important match. The two teams shared nearly equal possession in the first period, with the hosts getting the first opportunity to score after 22 minutes as William Saliba slipped and caught Lois Openda to concede a penalty. Luckily for the Frenchman, Youri Tielemans miscued the spot-kick.
Just 12 minutes after the incident, Wout Faes conceded a penalty for Belgium at the other end. France striker Randal Kolo Muani stepped up and converted with ease to put Les Bleus up 1-0 in the 35th minute. However, the hosts did not give up and equalized before the break. Saliba's erroneous positioning kept Openda onside as he pounced on Timothy Castagne's assist to make it 1-1.
Five yellow cards and two goals later, Belgium and France were level at the break.
The second half began with the same intensity as the first had ended, with Belgium receiving two yellow cards straight away. However, France grabbed the lead in the 62nd minute after Lucas Digne assisted Kolo Muani for his brace with a lovely cross. Both managers decided to shuffle things with periodic sunstitutions, but things got worse for the visitors.
Aurelien Tchouameni picked up his second booking after a foul on Tielemans and was given his marching orders in the 76th minute. That gave Belgium the chance to get back into the game. However, a heroic effort from France goalkeeper Mike Maignan and his defenders saw Les Bleus hang onto their slender lead and secure the win in the end.
On that note, let's take a look at France's player ratings.
France Player Ratings
Mike Maignan - 8/10
Maignan made six saves throughout the contest in a heroic performance to rescue his team after being down to 10 men. He was also booked for a foul.
Jules Kounde - 6.5/10
Kounde won just two of his six duels but made two interceptions and one block. He also passed the ball with 97% accuracy.
Ibrahima Konate - 6.5/10
Konate made six clearances, two blocks and one interception in a good performance. He was also booked for a foul.
William Saliba - 5.5/10
Saliba had a night to forget as he conceded a penalty and also made a crucial error that allowed Belgium to equalize.
Lucas Digne - 7.5/10
Digne was highly active going forward and provided an assist for France's second goal. He also won five duels, making three clearances and two interceptions.
Manu Kone - 7/10
Kone passed the ball with 85% accuracy and also attempted three shots that were all blocked. He also won nine duels.
Aurelien Tchouameni - 6.5/10
Tchouameni passed the ball with 96% accuracy and played two key passes but was sent off for two bookings on the either side of half-time.
Matteo Guendouzi - 7/10
Guendouzi passed the ball with 88% accuracy, including two key passes. He also won three duels and made two clearances.
Ousmane Dembele - 6.5/10
Dembele had a poor game for France on the right flank as he was unable to compelte even one of his seven crossing attempts. He also won just two duels and did not manage a shot on target.
Randal Kolo Muani - 8/10
Kolo Muani was among a handful of players on song for Les Bleus as he bagged a goal on either side of the break. He also won five duels and played one key pass.
Bradley Barcola - 7.5/10
Barcola played as if the ball was glued to his boots as he completed six of his eight dribble attempts. He also played two key passes and won nine duels.
Substitutes
Eduardo Camavinga - 6.5/10
Camavinga came on in the second half to add defensive solidity to his side after they were depleted and helped secure the win.
Christopher Nkunku - 6.5/10
Nkunku replaced Barcola but was unable to impose himself on the proceedings as France had their backs against the wall.
Youssouf Fofana - 6.5/10
Fofana replaced the misfiring Dembele and helped carry his team past the finish line.
Marcus Thuram - N/A
He played very few minutes having come on in the dying embers and hence does not warrant a rating.
