Red Devils suffer another bitter defeat against France despite a flashy first half hour

BelgiumFrance

UEFA Nations League – matchday 4 – 14/10/24 – 20:45

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35′

Randal Cole Muani

0 – 1

Randal Cole Muani

35′

45+3′

Loïs Openda

45+3′

Loïs Openda

1 – 1

62′

Randal Cole Muani

1 – 2

Randal Cole Muani

62′

Another bitter defeat. Despite an excellent first half hour, the Red Devils suffered another trauma against France. Openda corrected Tielemans’ penalty miss with a deserved equalizer, but a second goal from Kolo Muani stopped Heysel.

“Very curious about the analysis at halftime now.”

Signed: Jan Vertonghen on X, a few minutes after the French opening goal against the Red Devils. Because our record international had undoubtedly seen that the 0-1 did not reflect the first half hour at all.

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Belgium dominated the opening phase against its big opponents. There was some grumbling beforehand because Tedesco had chosen Castagne over De Cuyper on the left, but this time the national coach’s tactical plan was excellent.

Two Devils in particular hurt the French a lot. Jeremy Doku made fun of his direct opponent Lucas Digne at times, while Loïs Openda kept cleverly diving into depth.

The only thing the sold-out Heyzel could complain about was the Belgian efficiency. After less than half an hour we counted 5 excellent opportunities. However, the sights were not sharp enough for Openda, Trossard and Doku.

Neither did Tielemans – the captain had the chance to score the opening goal from the penalty spot after 23 minutes, but Tielemans fired over.

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Sacrebleu…

The miss was extra painful a little later when Kolo Muani did give the visitors the lead with a penalty after a particularly unfortunate handball by Faes.

Was it really going to be another match against France?

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Five in a row

Fortunately, Vertonghen – in addition to excellent football – will also have noticed resilience in the Devils.

In the extra time of the first half, Castagne sent a perfect cross to Openda, who sent the ball flawlessly past Maignan but also immediately saw the linesman’s flag go into the air.

Wrongly. And so the VAR approved the Devils’ equalizer. Also Openda’s first and long-awaited goal under Tedesco.

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The 1-1 did not provide a real boost after the break.

In the second half, France took over the initiative from the Belgians. On the hour mark this resulted in a goal by Koné, but a handball in the build-up saved the Devils.

For a while anyway. Because two minutes later the visitors scored a 1-2 that remained on the board.

Kolo Muani defeated Theate in a duel and then saw that Casteels misjudged his header – the final piece should have done better there.

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All or nothing in the final quarter, which the Devils would finish with one more man. Because Tchouaméni pulled the emergency brake when Tielemans could only storm towards the French goal.

It was not possible to exploit that surplus. Openda missed a huge chance to make it 2-2 in minute 95. Another bitter defeat against France. Number 5 in a row already.

Would Vertonghen also have cursed?

End!

For the fifth time in a row, the Red Devils have to recognize their superiority in France. A strong half hour was not continued in the second half, Kolo Muani took full advantage and scored the 1-2 under Casteels. The chances of a quarter-final seem to be flying for Belgium.

Almost Openda!

The Belgians look for a very last opening in the final minute and almost get it! Openda cannot deviate from De Cuyper’s low slider into the goal thanks to an excellent intervention. This was a huge opportunity!

Short corners continue to provide a threat, but Trossard’s finishing leaves much to be desired. Maignan has no trouble with a particularly weak lob ball.

An extra 5 minutes will be added.

Koundé by the little fingers

Lukebakio reaches the back line with a few feints and then spots Openda in front of goal. Koundé prevents a second goal from the Belgian striker with an ultimate tackle.

There is no immediate talk of a final offensive for the time being. It’s all happening a little too slowly to embarrass France.

Fofana lies down in the 16 after some pulling from De Cuyper. Stand up, says the Bosnian ref. The Frenchman clearly does not agree with this, but VAR does not intervene either.

Lukebakio and Engels are Tedesco’s next wild cards. Let’s wait and see if they can still make their mark.

Vranckx goes sky high

A rehearsed number on the corner kick provides an opportunity for Vranckx. The substitute powers his shot from the edge of the 16, but hangs back too much and drives the ball meters over.

The French suddenly seem to have completely lost it. Maignan reaches too far on a long ball, but is a lot too late. He knocks De Cuyper against the mat and faces a yellow card. Do the Devils capitalize on this momentum?