UEFA Nations League episode
King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels was the site of France’s 2-1 victory against Belgium on the night of October 14, 2024. The first whistle from Irfan Peljto, the center referee, marked the kick-off at 21:45 on Monday, and things started positively for the home team. A dangerous challenge by French defender William Saliba on Belgium’s captain, Ikoma Lois Openda, resulted in a direct penalty. The Red Devils’ fans were full of hope after the penalty was awarded in the 23rd minute.
However, their joy was short-lived as winger Youri Tielemans sent the ball miles over the crossbar. The Aston Villa man’s miss set the tone for a downturn for the home team, as Domenico Tedesco’s men were overwhelmed by the immense pressure from Les Bleus.
France’s relentless pressure scrambled the Belgian defense, culminating in Wout Faes handling the ball in the penalty box. The referee paused play for a VAR check, and after review, signaled a penalty for France to break the deadlock. Randal Kolo Muani was entrusted with the task, and in the 35th minute, the PSG forward calmly sent Koen Casteels the wrong way to score a screamer.
Didier Deschamps’ men seemed in control, with 52% ball possession against Belgium’s 48%. Tedesco’s side continued to battle under the pressure until the referee added four minutes of extra time.
In stoppage time, Timothy Castagne, the Red Devils’ winger, delivered a volley that was swiftly headed home by Ikoma Lois Openda to bring the score to 1-1 at halftime.
The second half saw both teams locked at 1-1 until the 62nd minute, when Lucas Digne lofted a beautiful cross from the wing to find Kolo Muani, who headed the ball past Koen Casteels to restore France’s lead to 1-2. Things were beginning to unravel for Belgium.
Youri Tielemans had a brilliant opportunity to equalize, but a tactical foul by Aurélien Tchouaméni shut it down. Tchouaméni received a second yellow card, resulting in a red and his dismissal from the pitch.
Despite being down to 10 men, France fought relentlessly to hold off Belgium’s aggressive attacks. Deschamps’ squad kept possession at 54% until Irfan Peljto’s final whistle secured yet another victory for Les Bleus over the Red Devils in competitive international matches, continuing a streak dating back to the 1981 World Cup.
