Dembele shines as France down Belgium in Lyon

France rebounded impressively to maintain their unbeaten record against Belgium in competitive international football, securing a 2-0 victory that significantly alters the dynamics of League A Group 1 in the UEFA Nations League.

Didier Deschamps implemented eight changes following the disappointing 3-1 loss to Italy in Paris, aiming to erase the memories of that match. However, the initial moments suggested that Belgium was poised to inflict further distress on Les Bleus.

In the first ten minutes, the French players exhibited several fundamental errors, allowing Dodi Lukebakio to be denied by Mike Maignan from a challenging angle after the Sevilla forward found himself unmarked following a deep free-kick from Kevin De Bruyne.

Belgium continued to threaten, with defender Wout Faes executing a remarkable run past three French midfielders before setting up Lois Openda, who, unfortunately, could only manage a diagonal shot directly at Maignan as he moved away from goal.

As the humid conditions in Lyon persisted, the home side began to assert themselves in the match. Following a curling shot from Marcus Thuram that tested Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels, France finally broke the deadlock.

Ousmane Dembele’s mis-hit shot was parried by Casteels, landing perfectly for Randal Kolo Muani, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net, igniting celebrations at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.

By the second half, Belgium's initial vigor had diminished, and the hosts took control, with midfielder Manu Kone exemplifying his team's performance. After a shaky start in his first international appearance, Kone struck two long-range efforts early in the second half before initiating the play that would secure France’s second goal.

Following a well-coordinated exchange between N'Golo Kante and Dembele, the latter cut inside from the right wing and unleashed a powerful shot that found the top corner, further solidifying France's lead.

Should Belgian spirits not have already diminished, the late-game entry of Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann certainly sealed the outcome.

Mbappe's speed consistently tested a fatigued Belgian defense, yet he was thwarted three times by a vigilant Casteels.

Ultimately, the number two proved significant for France, as they matched their opponent with three points, with both teams now turning their attention to pursuing group leader Italy in the upcoming month.