France vs Belgium Highlights: In a thrilling encounter at the UEFA Nations League on September 10, 2024, France and Belgium faced off in a match that reignited their fierce football rivalry. Just 70 days ago, France knocked Belgium out of the UEFA Euro 2024, and now, the two neighboring nations were back on the pitch for another intense battle. This time, the stakes were high, with both teams eager to make their mark in the UEFA Nations League Group A2.
France vs Belgium Highlights Overview
| France’s Redemption | After losing to Italy, France secured a crucial win |
| Kolo Muani’s Goal | France took the lead with a scrappy goal |
| Ousmane Dembélé’s Brilliance | Scored a stunning second goal |
| Belgium’s Missed Chances | Despite dominance, Belgium failed to score |
| Kylian Mbappé’s Impact as a Substitute | Mbappé added pace and creativity off the bench |
France’s Journey to Redemption
After a disappointing loss to Italy in their first group match, France entered this game with something to prove. The French side had taken an early lead in the previous match against Italy but ended up losing 3-1. With their pride at stake, they were determined to bounce back against Belgium. On the other hand, Belgium had enjoyed a solid start to their campaign, securing a win against Israel. The stage was set for an intense encounter, and the fans at Lyon’s Olympic Stadium were buzzing with anticipation.
Key Moments in the First Half
The match kicked off with Belgium, led by coach Roberto Martínez, looking to dominate possession and dictate the tempo. France, however, had other plans. Leicester City’s star, who had returned to the top flight of the English Premier League, played a pivotal role in launching dangerous attacks for Belgium, testing the French defense with sharp diagonal passes and trickery.
Belgium’s persistence paid off early, as they earned a free kick in a promising position. The pressure mounted on France, but their defense held firm. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made a crucial save to deny an improvised effort from Belgium’s Lukaku, keeping the score level.
France’s First Goal
Despite Belgium’s dominance, France found a way to take the lead. A well-worked attack saw the ball played into the box, and after a scuffed clearance by Belgium’s defense, Kolo Muani capitalized on the loose ball to fire it into the net. It was a scrappy goal, but it gave France the edge they needed. The momentum began to shift as France started to grow in confidence.
Key Players in France vs Belgium (UEFA Nations League 2024)
| Player Name | Team | Key Contribution |
| Kolo Muani | France | Scored the opening goal |
| Ousmane Dembélé | France | Scored the second goal, showcasing skill |
| Hugo Lloris | France | Crucial saves to deny Belgium’s attacks |
| Romelu Lukaku | Belgium | Threatened France’s defense |
| Kevin De Bruyne | Belgium | Controlled the midfield, created chances |
Ousmane Dembélé’s Stunning Second Goal
The second half saw France continue to build on their lead, with Ousmane Dembélé adding a moment of brilliance. Dembélé, known for his incredible dribbling and pace, produced a spectacular goal that will be remembered as one of the highlights of the match. Cutting inside from the right wing, he unleashed a powerful shot through the legs of Belgium’s defenders, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Dembélé’s goal was a perfect example of the attacking prowess that France is known for. His quick feet and vision helped him outmaneuver Belgium’s defense, and his clinical finish sealed the victory for France.
France’s Defensive Masterclass
While France’s attacking players shone, their defense also played a crucial role in securing the win. Belgium, led by Kevin De Bruyne, created several dangerous opportunities, but the French backline remained resolute. Lloris, once again, was called into action, making a series of key saves to keep Belgium at bay.
Belgium’s best chance came when De Bruyne forced his way through France’s defense, but Lloris was there to deny him with a brilliant save. The French defense, anchored by the likes of Upamecano and Hernandez, remained solid throughout the match.
Belgium’s Missed Opportunities
Despite controlling much of the possession and creating several chances, Belgium struggled to find the back of the net. Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s star striker, was closely marked by the French defense and had limited opportunities to make an impact. On one occasion, Lukaku found himself in a promising position, but his header sailed just wide of the post.
Belgium’s frustration grew as the game wore on. Their midfield, led by De Bruyne, continued to press forward, but France’s defense remained unyielding. In the end, it was a combination of missed chances and France’s defensive organization that saw Belgium fall short.
Match Statistics – France vs Belgium (UEFA Nations League 2024)
| Statistic | France | Belgium |
| Possession (%) | 45 | 55 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 4 |
| Total Shots | 12 | 10 |
| Fouls Committed | 8 | 11 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 | 3 |
| Corners | 4 | 5 |
Mbappé’s Impact as a Substitute
One of the highlights of the match was the introduction of Kylian Mbappé in the second half. The Paris Saint-Germain forward came off the bench and immediately made his presence felt. With his blistering pace and ability to take on defenders, Mbappé added another dimension to France’s attack.
In one breathtaking moment, Mbappé picked up the ball in his own half, sprinted past several Belgian defenders, and forced a save from Belgium’s goalkeeper. While he didn’t score, Mbappé’s impact was undeniable, and his introduction helped France maintain their dominance in the latter stages of the game.
Conclusion
In the end, France emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Belgium, securing their first victory in UEFA Nations League Group A2. It was a much-needed result for Didier Deschamps’ men, who had suffered a disappointing loss to Italy just days earlier. The win also served as a reminder of France’s strength and depth as they continue their quest for international glory.
Belgium, on the other hand, will be left to rue their missed opportunities. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, they were unable to break through France’s resilient defense. For Roberto Martínez and his team, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to bounce back in their next match.
FAQs Related To France vs Belgium Highlights
Kolo Muani scored the first goal, and Ousmane Dembélé added a brilliant second goal for France.
Belgium dominated possession and created several chances but failed to score due to France’s solid defense.
Mbappé came on as a substitute and made an immediate impact with his pace and creativity, forcing a save from Belgium’s goalkeeper.
