Kolo Muani Shines as France Edges Belgium in Thrilling UEFA Nations League Clash

Randal Kolo Muani scored twice as France secured a hard-fought victory over Belgium in a dramatic UEFA Nations League match in Brussels.

Belgium missed a penalty when Youri Tielemans sent his shot over the bar after William Saliba fouled Lois Openda, a decision confirmed by the video assistant referee (VAR).

France then earned a penalty of their own in the 35th minute when Wout Faes handled the ball on the ground. Kolo Muani coolly converted from the spot, sending goalkeeper Koen Casteels the wrong way to give France the lead.

Openda equalized for Belgium just before half-time with a header from Timothy Castagne’s left-wing cross. The goal was initially disallowed for offside but was awarded after a VAR review.

France thought they had restored their lead when Manu Kone found the net, but the goal was ruled out due to a handball by Kolo Muani in the build-up.

Kolo Muani ultimately scored the decisive goal in the 62nd minute, heading in a cross from Lucas Digne.

However, the match took a tense turn for France when captain Aurelien Tchouameni received a second yellow card for a foul on Tielemans just outside the box, leaving his team with 10 men for the final 14 minutes.

Belgium pressed for an equalizer but were unable to convert their chances.

In the group’s other match, Italy triumphed over Israel with a 4-1 victory in Udine, marking Israel’s first game outside Hungary this year. Italy now leads Group A2 with 10 points, while France sits just a point behind. Belgium, with four points, is at risk of facing relegation in the upcoming play-offs.