Belgium 2-3 France: 5 hits and flops as Theo Hernandez completes second-half comeback for world champions | UEFA Nations League 2020-21

Hit: Kylian Mbappe (France)

A night of redemption for Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe burnished his credentials as France's Golden Boy with his scintillating performance on Thursday. He ran the show for the world champions and even dispatched a penalty.

The PSG ace started the match slowly and didn't see much of the ball. He even fired a half-chance wide during the opening exchanges. However, the 22-year-old returned from the break like a man possessed.

Adventerous and hard-working, Mbappe was part of almost every good play from France in the second half. His link-up with Karim Benzema was especially devastating, cutting open Belgium on numerous occasions.

When the opportunity to score finally came, Mbappe took it with both hands. Looking to atone for his miss at Euro 2020, the Frenchman clinically dispatched his penalty in the 69th minute.

The goal not only brought France level in the match but further shifted momentum in his side's favor. The Blues went on to score their third goal to complete a memorable comeback.

In addition to his goal and assist, Mbappe finished the match with nine successful dribbles, two key passes and 12 ground duels won.

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Flop: Youri Tielemans (Belgium)

Youri Tielemans conceded a penalty to France with a stupid challenge

Youri Tielemans was a pale shadow of himself against France. Completely off the pace and sloppy in possession, the midfielder was just not in his element. He was often caught out as Les Blues repeatedly targeted him in the second half.

If that wasn't enough, Tielemans conceded the penalty that allowed the world champions back into the match. Replays showed that he kicked Antoine Griezmann before the Frenchman made contact with the ball.

After a close evaluation on the pitchside monitor, the match official gave France a spot-kick. Mbappe clinically dispatched the penalty to make it 2-2, bringing the match on level terms again.

Overall, it was a disappointing performance from Tielemans.

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Hit: Karim Benzema (France)

Karim Benzema was on target for the first time since Euro 2020 concluded

Karim Benzema's whirlwind second innings with France continued with a fine strike in yet another top-billing clash. It was his first international goal since scoring four times at Euro 2020.

The Real Madrid ace worked extremely hard all night, trying to win the ball and pushing his side forward. He worked very well with Mbappe as the pair forged a deadly partnership.

Most importantly, Benzema put France on their way to a fairytale victory with a sublime effort. Receiving a pass from his PSG counterpart, he tiptoed his way through a tight space before smashing the ball into the far post.

That was his 32nd strike for France as he surpassed his former boss Zinedine Zidane on Les Bleus' all-time top scorers' list. He is now only 19 goals behind the all-time French top-scorer, Thierry Henry.