Kolo Muani’s Brace Earns France a Crucial Win Over Belgium Despite Tchouameni’s Red Card

France secured their third straight win in the Nations League to further strengthen their claim for a knockout round spot. However, they did it the hard way, as a brace from Randal Kolo Muani earned Les Bleus a crucial 2-1 win over Belgium at Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels.

Before the kick-off, the chatter around the French team was all about Kylian Mbappe’s absence. Many fans thought that Les Bleus would struggle without their skipper, especially after Antoine Griezmann’s retirement. However, those questions were emphatically answered by France last night. Nevertheless, Belgium wasted no time asserting themselves as the more dangerous side, with Lois Openda getting the first big chance of the game. After some slick interplay just outside France’s box, Youri Tielemans delivered a dangerous cross, which was met by Openda. But the 24-year-old striker dragged his shot wide. Moments later, Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard had a glorious chance to put Belgium ahead in the 17th minute, but he too missed the target. 

Just when it seemed like Belgium’s luck was turning sour, Openda was brought down by William Saliba in the box in the 19th minute. The linesman initially flagged for offside, but after a lengthy VAR review, a penalty was awarded. Tielemans stepped up to take the spot kick, but the 27-year-old blazed his shot over the crossbar. Another golden opportunity slipped through Belgium’s fingers. The Red Devils would rue those missed opportunities very soon, as France gradually grew into the game. PSG’s in-form winger Bradley Barcola tested Casteels in the 24th minute. 

However, the deadlock was broken in the 35th minute, as the referee awarded Les Bleus a penalty after Wout Faes handled the ball in the box. Unlike Tielemans, Randal Kolo Muani didn’t squander this golden opportunity to break the deadlock. Despite going behind, the Red Devils kept plugging away, and they finally scored a deserved equalizer in the dying embers of the first-half. Lois Openda nodded in an inch-perfect cross from Timothy Castagne. But just as Belgium began to celebrate, the linesman’s offside flag went up, putting the celebrations on hold. After another VAR check, the goal was given, and Belgium's well-deserved equalizer stood, setting off a roar of relief and excitement from the fans.  

In the second half, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winners started to assert their dominance. And in the 62nd minute, Les Bleus regained their lead thanks to Kolo Muani. This time the 25-year-old scored from his head after Digne delivered a peach of a cross. However, the evening got much tougher for France after skipper Aurelien Tchouameni received his second yellow card for bringing down Tielemans, who was through on goal. Despite Belgium ramping up the pressure, the French defense stood tall, holding firm to secure another vital win for Les Bleus.  

With this victory, Didier Deschamps' side now needs just one point from their remaining two games to seal a spot in the knockout stage. In stark contrast, this defeat spells trouble for the Red Devils, who now find themselves five points adrift of second-placed France. Now, Belgium’s hopes of qualifying hang by a thread, as they will not only need to win their remaining games but also rely on favorable results elsewhere. Belgium face Italy and Israel next month, while France welcome Italy before embarking on an away trip to face Israel in November.