France rebounds with 2-0 win over Belgium

LYON, France: France overcame a sluggish start to secure a 2-0 victory over neighbors Belgium on Monday, with goals from Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembélé earning them their first points of the Nations League campaign. The win marked a strong comeback for the French after their disappointing 3-1 loss to Italy in Paris last Friday.

Coach Didier Deschamps made significant changes to the starting lineup, bringing in eight new players, including resting star forward Kylian Mbappé. Despite the early pressure from Belgium, the French side eventually found their rhythm, with Kolo Muani’s close-range finish and Dembélé’s precise left-footed strike sealing the win.

Deschamps acknowledged the team’s initial nerves but praised their collective and individual efforts, particularly from the less experienced players. Belgium’s coach, Domenico Tedesco, admitted before the match that his side needed to be more assertive, having shown too much caution in their previous encounter against France at the Euros.