UEFA Nations League: Kolo Muani and Dembele prove decisive as France pip Belgium 2-0
In this most-awaited match in the UEFA Nations League, France defeated Belgium on account of a 2-0 goal difference. A talented French national team spearheaded by Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele ran with more substance in front of Belgium. Both teams played today on high notes; however, France managed to strike at important moments in this match to take the game in its favor.
First Half: France Takes the Early Lead
Kolo Muani breaks the deadlock
Belgium was completely dominant during the first minutes of the game but was unable to open; it was France that managed to open the match in the 29th minute of the game. Ousmane Dembele gave a mouth-watering assist as Randal Kolo Muani gave the French side the lead. He let in a clinical finish as France led 1-0 and dominated much of the first half.
Dembele became the key figure in the attack, only to make a burst into the wing, finding open space and finally timely played a pass into Kolo Muani, who did not have any problem applying the finish and bringing another goal for his team. Finally, Belgium didn’t find any answer defensively to the attacking trio of France, which resulted in many chances by Kylian Mbappe and Marcus Thuram.
Yellow Cards and Intensive Playing
The first half also had its good share of aggressiveness, registering yellow cards for both teams. Towards the 7th minute, Loïs Openda of Belgium was booked for a reckless challenge. It would take another 37 minutes before the yellow card for France materialized, and it came from Lucas Digne. French defensive midfielders including N’Golo Kanté stepped up to make regular interceptions against the Belgians amidst frustration from both sides in managing to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
They hardly created clear-cut opportunities despite dominating Belgium in possession. The French backline had the experience of Kanté and Youssouf Fofana to thank for keeping Belgium at bay as the hosts held on to a slender lead through to half time.
Second Half: Dembele Doubles the lead
Ousmane Dembele’s Decisive Strike
The second half began with attempts by Belgium drawing level, but it was again Ousmane Dembele who proved to be the pain in the neck. Fifty-seven minutes into the game, Dembele scored again to double France’s lead, this time from the help coming from N’Golo Kanté. Full view exposes pace and dribbling skills as he burst into the Belgian defense, and the second goal was scored for France, firmly placing them in the lead in the game.
Belgium, for all their might, rarely had the chance to pierce through the French defense. Substitutes weren’t easy to come by for Belgium; even 19-year-old forward Openda, one of the linchpins for the Belgian side in this tournament, made way for Charles De Ketelaere in the 69th minute as the Belgian attack continuously failed.
Tactics and Changes
During the second half, a lot of substitutions were made in both teams. Kylian Mbappe was replaced in the France side by Randal Kolo Muani on the 67 minutes of the match, whereas Bradley Barcola entered on the field for Marcus Thuram while France tried to keep up the pressure simultaneously taking a little rest from the key players.
From the Belgium side came Thomas Meunier and Johan Bakayoko all thanks to coach Domenico Tedesco, who wanted to achieve width in the attack and make it more creative. The solidity in the back then remained intact as French goalkeeper Mike Maignan pulled out crucial saves.
Lack of Clear Chances
Belgium had 55% of possession, but they really struggled to carve good opportunities in front of goal and only had nine attempts. They did have four on target, which Maignan and the French backline coped with comfortably. Talismanic Belgian players Youri Tielemans and Dodi Lukebakio carried no real danger to the French backline, with referee Orsato booking Tielemans in the 37th minute for a yellow card.
The introduction of Jérémy Doku and Johan Bakayoko was supposed to bring a little bit of attacking flair to proceedings, yet the French managed to defend.
Statistically Dominating France
Effective on Both Sides of the Ball
Key aspects of France’s dominance: 25 shots on target, while only 9 came in from Belgium, and there have been 9 threats made on target. The aggressive approach in attacking underpinned Belgium’s defense. France was, however, more dangerous with 55% possession as they professionally completed 47 dangerous attacks against Belgium’s 57.
Defensively, France did not budge an inch, making 4 big saves to ensure that their sheets stayed clean. Belgium, on the other hand, had an atrocious day in front of goal, with only one shot being blocked the entire game. The defense, marshaled by Kanté, did not give Belgium much space to operate, ultimately forcing them to shoot from tight angles.
Key Players and Performances
Ousmane Dembele and Randal Kolo Muani
The star of the night was Ousmane Dembele, one goal and one assist to his name. He was so influential in his pace, beating, and creativity to break down the Belgians’ defense. Kolo Muani was in fine form up front, scoring the opener in France and playing an important role in high pressing.
The result was decent, but there was no rhythm found with regards to the attacking players really breaking down the defense of France, as it resulted in a number of vital saves by the goalkeeper of Belgium, Koen Casteels.
Conclusion: Hosts Enjoy Impressive Victory Over France
France’s 2-0 win over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League was a perfect showcase of both attacking flair and defensive resolve. Dembele and Kolo Muani were excellent for France in this deserved victory, since Belgium enjoyed more possession but could not be clinical in front of goal, with France exhibiting discipline marshalling the backline to deny any promising visitors.
The victory gave France the statement of intent in the UEFA Nations League, a reason why Belgium will have to get the attacking game plan right all over again in their coming fixtures.
Read more about related articles, just click here
