France back to winning ways as they dominate Belgium

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FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Nations League - League A - Group 2 - France v Belgium - Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France - September 9, 2024 France's Ousmane Dembele celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo

France's Ousmane Dembele celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates.

PHOTO: REUTERS

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LYON, France - France overcame a slow start to beat neighbours Belgium 2-0 on Sept 9 as Randal Kolo Muani’s close-in strike and Ousmane Dembele’s left footed drive handed them their first points of the Nations League campaign.

It was a positive response by the French, who changed eight of the starting players, including Kylian Mbappe, after being beaten 3-1 by Italy in Paris last Friday in their opening Group A2 fixture.

But they had to weather early attacks by their visitors before settling into a rhythm and then imposing themselves on the contest.

Italy won the other Group A2 fixture against Israel in Budapest on Sept 9 to open up a three-point advantage. Belgium, who beat Israel 3-1 in Hungary last Friday, share second spot with France on three points. REUTERS

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