France’s performance against Belgium in the Nations League was a resounding success, with Ousmane Dembele stealing the spotlight in a much-needed return to form. Les Bleus fielded a rotated lineup, giving some of their star players, like Kylian Mbappe, a rest on the bench. Despite his absence, France dominated the match, with Dembele’s electrifying display making all the difference.
Randal Kolo Muani opened the scoring in the 29th minute, reacting quickest to a spilled ball by Belgium’s goalkeeper, Koen Casteels. The goal came after a blocked clearance from Wout Faes, allowing Kolo Muani to smash the ball home and give France an early lead.
Dembele, who had faced harsh criticism for his performances in Euro 2024, answered his doubters emphatically. Just after the 55-minute mark, he doubled France’s lead. In a moment of brilliance, he played a slick one-two on the edge of the box, dribbled past two defenders, and unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner, leaving Casteels with no chance. His skillful, direct play was reminiscent of the Dembele who once terrorized defenses across Europe, proving that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level.
Mbappe came on as a substitute and added flair to the attack, creating multiple chances but failing to find the net. Still, the night belonged to Dembele, who reminded everyone of his immense potential.
Here are the player ratings from France’s victory at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais:
Goalkeeper & Defense
Mike Maignan (6/10):
The French shot-stopper had a relatively quiet night, with Belgium struggling to create clear-cut chances. Maignan was solid when called upon, dealing well with aerial balls and organizing his defense effectively.
Jules Kounde (6/10):
Kounde had a shaky start, picking up an early booking for a foul on Lois Openda, but grew into the game as it progressed. He supported the attack when needed and held firm defensively as France took control.
William Saliba (6/10):
Saliba was uncharacteristically sloppy in possession during the first half, but his exceptional reading of the game allowed him to recover quickly. His positional awareness and defensive instincts helped keep Belgium at bay.
Dayot Upamecano (7/10):
A commanding performance from Upamecano, who won every tackle he attempted. His physical presence and composure on the ball were crucial in neutralizing Belgium’s attacking threats, particularly Kevin De Bruyne.
Lucas Digne (6/10):
Digne was booked early on during a skirmish at a corner but responded well. He nearly scored with a fantastic free-kick and locked down the left flank with solid defensive work.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante (7/10):
As always, Kante was tireless in midfield, covering large areas of the pitch and distributing the ball with accuracy. His involvement in Dembele’s goal, where he initiated the one-two, showcased his attacking awareness as well.
Manu Kone (7/10):
Kone was booked but played a crucial role in France’s midfield. He showed great vision and creativity, threading passes that split the Belgian defense. While he left some gaps defensively, his ability to retain possession and dictate the tempo was impressive.
Matteo Guendouzi (6/10):
Guendouzi was energetic and industrious, though he squandered an early chance with a rushed shot at goal. His work rate and pressing were valuable, even if his impact in the final third was limited.
Attack
Ousmane Dembele (8/10):
Dembele was the standout performer, providing a constant threat down the right wing. He tested Casteels early on with a shot that led to Kolo Muani’s goal and later scored a stunning solo effort. His pace, trickery, and finishing were at their best, silencing his critics.
Randal Kolo Muani (7/10):
Kolo Muani’s goal came from sheer opportunism as he pounced on a loose ball to give France the lead. His movement was sharp, and he won a penalty appeal against De Bruyne that was controversially not given.
Marcus Thuram (5/10):
Thuram showed flashes of brilliance but was inconsistent in the final third. He linked up well with his teammates, but his decision-making at critical moments let him down. Nonetheless, his passing was generally tidy before he was substituted.
Substitutes & Manager
Kylian Mbappe (6/10):
Mbappe entered the fray with half an hour remaining and immediately looked dangerous. Although he couldn’t find the back of the net, he added a spark to the attack with his pace and flair.
Antoine Griezmann (6/10):
Griezmann came on in the second half and nearly scored with a long-range effort. While he didn’t have a significant impact, he added composure and control to the midfield.
Michael Olise (N/A):
A late substitute for Dembele, Olise didn’t have enough time to make his mark.
Bradley Barcola (N/A):
Barcola replaced Thuram but saw little of the ball in the final minutes.
Youssouf Fofana (N/A):
A late addition in stoppage time, Fofana’s role was mainly to help close out the game.
Didier Deschamps (7/10):
Deschamps expertly rotated his squad, resting key players like Mbappe, yet his side still delivered a commanding performance. His tactical adjustments allowed France to dominate the game and exploit Belgium’s weaknesses. The depth of talent at his disposal is enviable, and his ability to get the best out of them is commendable.