On Thursday night, France national football team snapped the sluggish start to their Nations League campaign with a 2‑0 victory over Belgium at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon. The win, secured by a penalty from Kylian Mbappé, forward for Real Madrid CF and a second‑half strike from Ousmane Dembélé, right‑winger of Paris Saint‑Germain FC, lifted the squad from a 0‑0 draw and a 3‑1 loss against Italy to second place in Group A1.
Why the match mattered
France entered the evening with just six points from three games, trailing Italy by a single point and desperately needing a morale boost. Belgium, meanwhile, sat third with four points after a mixed weekend against Israel. Both sides knew that three points could swing the qualification picture ahead of the November fixtures.
Match facts and figures
- Possession: France 61 % – Belgium 39 %
- Shots (on target): 12 (4) – 8 (2)
- Pass accuracy: 89 % (578 passes) – 83 % (347 passes)
- Corners: 7 – 3
- Fouls: 18 – 15
The statistics painted a clear picture: France dominated the midfield, controlled the tempo, and rarely gave Belgium any breathing room.
Key moments
In the 15th minute, a handball in the box forced a penalty. Mbappé stepped up, slotted it low to the left corner and set the tone. The next major spark came in the 62nd minute when Dembélé, after beating two defenders on the left flank, cut inside and curled a left‑footed finish past the keeper.
Belgium’s best chance fell to Kevin De Bruyne, midfielder of Manchester City FC, whose curling shot from the edge of the box rattled the post. The moment epitomised Belgium’s frustration – plenty of attempts, but no breakthrough.
Coaches' take
Didier Deschamps, head coach of France praised his side’s intensity: “We showed the right attitude after the Italy games. The players kept their focus, executed the plan and deserved the three points.”
Belgian boss Domenico Tedesco, head coach of Belgium was less upbeat. “We lacked the cutting edge in the final third. The lads fought, but we need to be more clinical,” he admitted in the post‑match press conference.
Goalkeeper heroics
Most of France’s clean sheet credit goes to Mike Maignan, goalkeeper of AC Milan. He made four crucial saves, including a fingertip parry from Romelu Lukaku’s header in the 48th minute. Midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, midfielder of Olympique de Marseille summed it up: “He’s a wall. When he plays like that, we can go very, very high.”
Fan atmosphere and cultural impact
Lyon’s 59,186‑seat stadium was buzzing under a crisp autumn sky. Supporters from both camps sang their anthems loudly, but it was the French fans who erupted after each goal, waving tricolour flags and chanting “Allez les Bleus!” The win sparked a surge in social‑media chatter, with the hashtag #BleusBack trending in France and across Europe.
What the result means for the group
With the three points, France sits level on six points with Italy, both ahead of Belgium’s four. The final round of fixtures – France versus Israel on 15 November at the Stade de France and Belgium against Italy on 18 November – will decide which two teams head to the Nations League finals in June 2025.
Looking ahead
Deschamps will likely keep his 4‑2‑3‑1 shape, but may rotate a few squad members to preserve fitness for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. For Belgium, the focus will be on sharpening their attack; Lukaku’s missed chances will be a talking point in the dressing room.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect France’s chances of reaching the Nations League finals?
The victory lifts France to six points, equal with Italy, and puts them two points clear of Belgium. A win in the final group game against Israel will likely secure a top‑two finish and a spot in the June 2025 finals.
Which players stood out for Belgium despite the loss?
Kevin De Bruyne’s vision shone through; his chance that rattled the post was the highlight. Romelu Lukaku also showed physical presence, forcing the French defence to stay compact.
What tactical changes did Didier Deschamps make after the Italy defeats?
Deschamps switched to a more compact midfield, using a double pivot to protect the back line while allowing wingers like Dembélé to cut inside. The emphasis on quick transitional play helped France dominate possession.
When and where will the remaining Group A1 matches be played?
France host Israel on 15 November 2024 at the Stade de France in Saint‑Denis. Belgium face Italy on 18 November 2024 at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.
How did the crowd and weather conditions influence the match?
Clear autumn weather kept the pitch fast, favouring France’s quick passing. The 59,000‑strong crowd created a noisy, energetic atmosphere that seemed to lift the French players, while the Belgian side struggled to communicate at times.
