Kolo Muani Double Leads France to Victory Over Belgium Despite Tchouaméni's Red Card

France edged Belgium 2-1 in a high-stakes UEFA Nations League match, riding on a stellar performance from Randal Kolo Muani, who scored twice, including a crucial penalty. Despite the absence of star forward Kylian Mbappé and the challenges of managing player fatigue across both teams, France delivered when it mattered. Belgium’s dominance early on, coupled with Aurélien Tchouaméni's late red card, made for a nervy finish, but France ultimately secured three points.

A Frantic First Half: Belgium Squanders Chances

The match began with Belgium dictating the pace, taking advantage of France’s disjointed lineup. With Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku also sidelined, Belgium leaned on Loïs Openda, Youri Tielemans, and Leandro Trossard to create attacking momentum. Early on, Jeremy Doku tormented French full-back Lucas Digne, drawing a yellow card, while Tielemans orchestrated Belgium’s midfield with precision.

In the 20th minute, Openda earned a penalty after turning inside William Saliba, whose slip allowed the Belgian striker a clear chance. However, to the frustration of the home crowd, Tielemans blasted his penalty over the bar, wasting a golden opportunity to take the lead.

Belgium’s wastefulness proved costly when Wout Faes committed a bizarre handball in his penalty box later in the half. Kolo Muani made no mistake from the spot, sending France into the break with a 1-0 lead despite being second-best for much of the opening 45 minutes.

Belgium Finds an Equalizer Before France Takes Control

Determined to level the score, Belgium came out pressing even harder. Just before halftime, Timothy Castagne delivered a pinpoint cross for Openda, who connected perfectly with a header to beat Mike Maignan. Initially flagged offside, VAR overturned the decision, confirming the equalizer and reigniting Belgian hopes.

However, the second half saw a revitalized France. Coach Didier Deschamps appeared to have steadied his team during the break, and their improved organization showed. Ousmane Dembélé began causing problems with his direct runs, and Lucas Digne atoned for his earlier struggles by delivering a pinpoint cross. Kolo Muani rose above Faes and powered a header into the net, putting France back in front.

Tchouaméni’s Red Card: A Late Twist

With France leading 2-1, Belgium continued to push forward. Trossard came close with several attempts, but Maignan kept France ahead. In the 80th minute, Aurélien Tchouaméni, captaining the side in Mbappé's absence, committed a tactical foul on Tielemans, receiving a second yellow card and leaving France down to ten men.

Belgium piled on the pressure in the final minutes, sensing an opportunity. Trossard’s well-struck free-kick was destined for the top corner, but Maignan produced a stunning save to preserve France’s advantage. Despite relentless Belgian attacks, France held firm, extending their unbeaten streak against Belgium in competitive matches to 43 years.

Player Absences Spark Debate Over Workload

The absence of Mbappé, De Bruyne, and Lukaku reignited debates about player workload in the football calendar. France managed Mbappé’s post-injury recovery by resting him, while Belgium’s decision to sideline its key players underscored the tension between club and international duties. The scheduling concerns cast a shadow over what should have been a marquee encounter between two European heavyweights.

With the Nations League's importance rising, both teams are forced to juggle priorities as they prepare for Euro 2024 and other club commitments. While this match lacked some star power, it showcased the depth and resilience within both squads.

Kolo Muani's Star Performance and Tactical Takeaways

Kolo Muani's double marked a significant step forward in his international career, providing hope that France could diversify its attack beyond reliance on Mbappé. His clinical finishing and movement were instrumental in unlocking Belgium’s defense, showing promise for the future.

Deschamps' tactical adjustments were also noteworthy. Despite an uninspiring first half, France grew into the game, leveraging the pace of Dembélé and the creativity of Digne. Belgium, on the other hand, will rue its missed opportunities, especially Tielemans' wasted penalty, which could have changed the game’s outcome.

Conclusion: A Hard-Fought Win Sets France on Track

France’s victory puts them in a strong position to qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals, needing just one more point from their remaining fixtures. Although the absence of marquee players dimmed the spectacle slightly, both teams delivered an entertaining contest filled with drama and tactical intrigue.

For Belgium, the result extends their 43-year winless streak against France in competitive matches, leaving them to ponder what might have been. Meanwhile, France can take heart from Kolo Muani’s emergence as a reliable attacking option and their ability to grind out results even when not at their best. As debates over player workload continue, both teams must now shift focus to their next challenges, with the Nations League knockout rounds looming.

Reference From: www.theguardian.com