France Secures Tense Victory Over Belgium in Group Play

An intense showdown between France and Belgium ended with a victory for the French, despite missing key players.

The match marked a turning point for Belgium, definitively removing them from contention for the group lead. Both teams had to cope without their primary players, choosing to rest them.

Early in the encounter, the hosts had a chance to take control but failed to capitalize on a penalty opportunity. Towards the end, they were given another chance to alter the course, yet the numerical advantage remained unutilized effectively. The result — a rightful defeat.

The score was Belgium 1, France 2. Goals scored by: Kolo Muani at the 35th minute from a penalty (0:1); Openda at the 45th minute (1:1); Kolo Muani put France ahead again at the 62nd minute (1:2).

Belgium's lineup included: Casteels; Debast; Theate; Faes; Castagne (De Kuiper, 67); Tielemans (Lukebakio, 81); De Ketelaere (Engels, 81); Mangala O. (Vranks, 67); Doku J.; Openda; Trossard. Substitutes: Vandevoordt; De Wolf; Bornauw; Smets; Fofana M.; Bakayoko Y.; Ngnonge. Yellow cards: Mangala O. 29; Faes 53; De Ketelaere 56.

France's lineup included: Maignan; Digne; Koundé; Konate I.; Saliba; Tchouaméni (up to 76); Koné Cu.; Guendouzi (Camavinga, 73); Dembelé U. (Fofana U., 79); Kolo Muani (Thuram M., 90); Barcola B. (Nkunku, 73). Substitutes: Samba B.; Areola; Clauss J.; Badé L.; Fofana U.; Hernandez Theo; Olise; Zaire-Emery. Yellow cards: Digne 7; Saliba 22; Tchouaméni 24, 76; Konate I. 45; Maignan 79.

Red card: Tchouaméni at the 76th minute.