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Belgium 1-2 France: Randal Kolo Muani scores a brace and secures the win

Belgium 1-2 France: Randal Kolo Muani scores a brace and secures the win

Randal Kolo Muani scored twice as France beat Belgium in an eventful UEFA Nations League match in Brussels.

Youri Tielemans scored a penalty for the hosts after William Saliba brought down Lois Openda, a decision made by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

France then won a penalty themselves when Wout Faes left the ball on the ground. Kolo Muani sent goalkeeper Koen Casteels the wrong way from the penalty spot to score the lead in the 35th minute.

Openda equalized for Belgium in first-half stoppage time with a header from a Timothy Castagne cross. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but was given by VAR.

France thought they were back in the lead thanks to Manu Kone's goal, but it was disallowed due to a handball in advance by Kolo Muani.

But Paris St-Germain striker Kolo Muani scored the winner in the 62nd minute when he headed in Lucas Digne's cross.

However, Les Bleus played the final 14 minutes with ten men when captain Aurelien Tchouameni received a second yellow card for catching Tielemans just outside the penalty area.

Belgium pushed for the equalizer but couldn't find it.

Italy beat Israel 4-1 in the group's other game in Udine, the first game Israel played outside Hungary this year.

The Italians lead Group A2 with 10 points, France is one point behind. The third-placed Belgian with four points will likely face a relegation and promotion play-off.

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