League of Nations. France suffers but still beats Belgium: double for Kolo Muani

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Again. As in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup (1-0) and the 2021 Nations League (3-2), as at the Euro (1-0) and as in the first leg (2-0), the Blues once again gave a lesson in “winning” to the Belgians, in a match that was nevertheless balanced.

With the success against Israel on Thursday (4-1), these six points allow the Blues to approach the quarter-finals of the current edition, and Didier Deschamps to breathe a little.

The coach is rewarded for his unwavering loyalty to “RKM”, in difficulty at PSG, but author of his first double in Blue, a serene penalty (35^e sp) and a superb uncrossed header from a cross from Lucas Digne (62^e).

Captain Kylian Mbappé watched this match from Madrid. He posted a photo of a TV screen broadcasting the match just after a photo of his return to training at Real Madrid, in an Instagram story.

“Kyk’s”, which, moreover, found itself in media turmoil again on Monday.

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Although he is reassured on an accounting level, now five steps ahead of the Red Devils with two matches remaining in the groups, Deschamps still has a lot of work to do.

For the 200^e match as assistant to Guy Stéphan, the defense had a difficult evening.

William Saliba played his worst match in Blue. He cost a penalty on a huge slip causing him to mow down Loïs Openda, who had nevertheless missed his catch.

Youri Tielemans first pardoned the “Gunner” by shooting his penalty over (23^e), but Saliba did not return to the match.

Saliba in difficulty

It was one of his many failed attempts which gave the ball back to the Belgians for the equalizer, where he was also beaten with a header by Openda.

In great difficulty, Saliba also lost a ball on his own leading to a big opportunity for former Rennais Jérémy Doku (29th).

He was better in the second half, but he was no longer the sovereign defender who had won his starting place at the Euro, at the expense of Ibrahima Konaté, with whom he was associated at the Roi-Baudouin stadium.

The other member of the hinge did a little less worse on Monday evening. The Liverpool player made a few saves, but he also lost a ball offering an opportunity to Openda (18th) and was warned for a serious foul on Timothy Castagne (45th).

At the left-back position, Lucas Digne also suffered, against Jérémy Doku. The Manchester City winger, who had failed to pass Jules Koundé once during the round of 16 at the Euro (1-0 for France), was shifted to the right and played on the right side. ‘Aston Villa.

Digne, early warned (7th) for a foul on Doku, even found himself with his nose in the lawn after a diabolical hook in the area (12th). Fortunately he serves RKM on the winning goal.

Deschamps, who had only changed four players compared to Israel, did not have many answers. But he won.

Even captain Aurélien Tchouameni came through, excluded for a second warning when he mowed down Tielemans who was heading towards goal (76th).

The only satisfaction with Kolo Muani was Bradley Barcola, hard-hitting and full of ease, causing the penalty for a gross handball by Wout Faes. The Blues opened the scoring against the run of play, with their usual success against the Belgians.

Source: © 2024 AFP

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