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Randal Kolo Muani scored twice as France edged Belgium 2-1 in an action-packed UEFA Nations League match in Brussels. Youri Tielemans missed a crucial penalty for Belgium after William Saliba’s foul on Lois Openda, a decision confirmed by VAR. Shortly after, France earned a penalty of their own when Wout Faes handled the ball, allowing Kolo Muani to open the scoring by sending goalkeeper Koen Casteels the wrong way.
Belgium responded in first-half injury time through Lois Openda, who headed home a cross from Timothy Castagne. Initially flagged offside, the goal was eventually allowed after a VAR review. France thought they regained the lead with Manu Kone’s strike, but VAR ruled it out for a handball by Kolo Muani in the build-up.
Kolo Muani struck again in the 62nd minute, heading in a Lucas Digne cross for what proved to be the match-winner. However, France had to play the last 14 minutes with 10 men after captain Aurelien Tchouameni was sent off for a second yellow card following a foul on Tielemans.
Belgium pressed for an equalizer but were unable to break through, while Italy’s 4-1 victory over Israel in Udine pushed France to second place in Group A2, with Belgium now facing a potential relegation-promotion play-off.
