France and Belgium meet again for another important UEFA Nations League encounter as France take on Belgium at Parc des Princes on Sunday afternoon, looking to cement Didier Deschamps’ dominance before Domenico Tedesco’s Belgians seek revenge from Euro 2024 by winning comfortably.
De Bruyne fires a low shot towards goal that’s blocked by Maignan before Mbappe attempts a long-range effort that goes over the bar despite multiple challenges from his rivals. In this article, we will discuss the high lights of France National Football Team Vs Belgium National Football Team Timeline.
1. France vs. Belgium
France and Belgium will compete in an important match to reach the quarter-finals in this tournament. France are hoping to extend their streak at Euro, while Belgium hope to qualify for their first World Cup since 1986.
Last time these sides met competitively, France prevailed with a dramatic 3-2 victory in the 2021 Nations League semi-final. Yannick Carrasco and Romelu Lukaku gave Belgium an early advantage before Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe led an incredible comeback for Didier Deschamps’ side to make a surprising comeback and ultimately seal victory for Didier Deschamps’ men.
As both teams prepare to face each other for kick-off, excitement fills the air as nerves mount before the big moment arrives. Both squads know this match-up will be their toughest test so far.
Belgium may boast an elite squad, yet has struggled to remain consistent this year. They’ve only won two out of their seven matches and currently sit second place behind France in Group G. A win against their rivals would help maintain momentum within their table and showcase the Red Devils’ quality as players.
France are clear favourites to win this matchup, though their recent performance against Belgium has cast doubts upon their ability to compete with Europe’s elite sides. Didier Deschamps has assembled an outstanding side, yet his side have come under criticism for lacking creativity and dynamism when attacking.
These teams have met eight times previously and the all-time head-to-head record heavily favors France – they’ve won 27 of those matches overall! Additionally, France have taken two out of three matches against Belgian opponents (winning both meetings including a 1-0 triumph at Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals). On paper both are evenly matched and this could make for an exciting contest at Decines-Charpieu Stadium.
2. UEFA Nations League
France overcame an initial slow start and managed to advance to the quarter-finals of UEFA Nations League with victory against Belgium on Monday, thanks to Randal Kolo Muani scoring an important goal during a thrilling encounter at Groupama Stadium in Decines – something they had struggled to do during Euro 2024 where they did not manage a single victory.
France were at times the superior team, though Antoine Griezmann was unable to convert many chances into goals. France struggled defensively at times as well; however, Deschamps has recently brought Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Olise into his squad in an indication of Deschamps’ desire for a more balanced approach.
Belgium had their moments, with Romelu Lukaku storming into the box and forcing Mike Maignan into an impressive save at his near post. Kevin De Bruyne also tried his luck from long range but failed to hit its target.
At the outset of a high-tempo second half for Belgium, Jules Kounde earned himself some space along the right byline and unleashed a beautiful cross that just missed hitting Moussa Dembele’s head. Meanwhile, Belgium were an early threat on the break, with Ousmane Dembele having several chances to make an impressionful play at close range.
As France gradually increased their advantage, Kante assisted Randal Kolo Muani into shooting across goal – however his shot hit Jan Vertonghen before deflecting off and deceiving Koen Casteels before crossing the line.
The new format of the UEFA Nations League has proven immensely popular among both countries and will continue in 2024/25, with teams from each group competing against each other in two-legged quarterfinals in March before moving onto a promotion/relegation playoff phase formerly reserved for World Cup or European Championship qualifiers. Once qualified, teams from each group will advance to the UEFA Nations League Finals held at Parc Olympique Lyonnais in June 2025.
3. Group A
France and Belgium are two of Europe’s premier footballing nations, making this game one to remember. Didier Deschamps’ France were looking to keep pace in Group I, while Domenico Tedesco’s Belgians sought a comeback following a difficult opening night against Italy.
An intense contest followed; both teams were eager to attack but France held firm with its disciplined defense. Kylian Mbappe proved a formidable threat on either end for France; eventually breaking through for his side with a clinical finish.
With just 15 minutes remaining in the match, it appeared the game would end all square. But after several mistakes by Belgian defense allowed Jules Kounde to set up Randal Kolo Muani who then shot towards goal, hitting Jan Vertonghen before crossing over.
France were overjoyed with their victory at Euro 2024. Although their performances may have been subdued, France are one of the tournament favorites and marched confidently into this match.
Belgium will likely be devastated with their defeat and determined to make up ground as they enter an important phase in this UEFA Nations League group campaign. Kevin De Bruyne remains key for them and their fate hangs in this group.
71 min: France corner kick. Rabiot feeds Doku with the ball; his cutback finds Mbappe who scores from an excellent position by firing over the bar from close range.
Mbappe maneuvered his way past Belgium’s defense before pulling a cross back for Tchouameni in prime shooting position. Unfortunately, Tchouameni misfired high over the bar; and that would be Belgium’s last chance – their hopes for reaching quarter-finals hanging by a thread. This game presented Domenico Tedesco with a major test. His young side lack firepower to compete with top teams; therefore they will need to dramatically step up their game if they wish to progress to next stage of UEFA Nations League group campaign.
4. Round of 16
France and Belgium square off against each other at Groupama Stadium in Decines, France on Sunday as both look to solidify their positions in Group A2. France’s Didier Deschamps boasts an all-star roster including Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele; Belgium under Domenico Tedesco features both experience and youth players on its squad.
Fans on both teams are showing their excitement ahead of a highly-anticipated clash that can only be watched live on Sky Sports.
Begun in relative silence, both teams slowly adjust and explore each other with no clear cut opportunities for either side. But France took an unexpected lead in the 29th minute as Kolo Muani hit a low shot into the bottom corner of the net for France to take an early advantage. Belgium’s Lois Openda had some dangerous opportunities but their defense held firm and sent France into halftime with an edge.
Both teams come out strong in the second half, as Deschamps’ men press harder while Belgium attempts to find an opening through which it can penetrate France’s resolute defense.
Griezmann’s pass from Griezmann found Mbappe free in space but his shot went wide. Moments later, France right winger Kounde earned enough space on the byline to put in a cross that Lukaku didn’t manage to head back onto Maignan and it passed by him unscathed.
France continues their attack as they look to put the game out of Belgium’s reach, creating further opportunities. Mbappe takes an effective long shot from outside the box that deflects hard before going just wide.
Belgium continues their push for an equalizer, and they almost find one when Mangala attempts to run through France’s left side defense but is pulled down by Muani’s challenge; however, the referee waived off their call for a penalty claim and allowed De Bruyne’s speculative pass find Mangala who attempted to shoot from close range but Maignan saved his effort.
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