France claimed a hard earned 2-1 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League in Brussels on Monday (Oct 14). Randal Kolo Muani scored a first-half penalty after Youri Tielemans missed from the spot at the opposite end before Lois Openda levelled on the stroke of half-time. Kolo Muani restored Les Bleus’ lead and Didier Deschamps’ side held on after Aurelien Tchouameni was sent off.
Randal Kolo Muani scored twice as France beat Belgium in an incident-packed Uefa Nations League match in Brussels.
Youri Tielemans skied a penalty for the hosts after William Saliba brought down Lois Openda, a decision given by the video assistant referee (VAR).
France then won a penalty of their own when Wout Faes handled the ball on the ground. Kolo Muani sent goalkeeper Koen Casteels the wrong way from the spot for the 35th-minute opener.
Openda equalised for Belgium in first-half added time with a header from Timothy Castagne's left-wing cross. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but given by the VAR.
France thought they were back ahead through Manu Kone's strike - but it was disallowed for a handball in the build-up by Kolo Muani. But Kolo Muani scored what proved to be the winner in the 62nd minute when he headed in a Lucas Digne cross.
However, Les Bleus played the final 14 minutes with 10 men when captain Aurelien Tchouameni was shown a second yellow card for clipping Tielemans just outside the box.
Belgium pushed for an equaliser but could not find one.
Italy beat Israel 4-1 in the group's other game in Udine, the first match Israel have played outside of Hungary this year.
The Italians top Group A2 on 10 points with France a point behind. Third-placed Belgium, on four points, are likely to face a relegation-promotion play-off.
