France coach Didier Deschamps’ trust in Randal Kolo Muani rewarded in 2-1 win over Belgium
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France forward Randal Kolo Muani scoring from a penalty in the 2-1 Nations League win over Belgium.
PHOTO: AFP
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BRUSSELS – France coach Didier Deschamps praised Randal Kolo Muani after the striker’s double led his side to a 2-1 victory away to Belgium in their Nations League Group A2 clash on Oct 14, as they put one foot in the quarter-finals.
Kolo Muani netted a penalty and a second-half header as Les Bleus held off the lively home side and finished the match with 10 men, following a second booking for captain Aurelien Tchouameni.
The 25-year-old has been a rare starter for Paris Saint-Germain this season but has scored four goals in his last four games for France.
“He’s interesting, he’s radiant,” Deschamps told broadcaster TF1.
“He is confident and has a very specific profile... in his runs with the ball, there is presence. He is a good header and with us, he is very often successful.”
Belgium dominated the opening exchanges and would have opened the scoring if not for midfielder Youri Tielemans’ missed penalty.
“We were shaken for the first 20 to 25 minutes when they (Belgium) put in a lot of intensity, while we made a lot of technical errors. When we were able to find solutions going forward, it was better for us,” Deschamps added.
“We had to shake them (the players) up. In relation to what we said, and what the players had said, it’s mostly the mistakes, we had to calm down. We had to go forward and press well. Of course, they had chances, but so did we in the second half. We’re happy to win this match, especially with 10 men.”
Tchouameni was shown a second yellow card 14 minutes from time for tripping Tielemans as the Belgian player advanced on goal, but the visitors held on.
France were without talisman Kylian Mbappe, who chose to skip their latest Nations League matches and was also given time off to work on his fitness, and had several less experienced players in the line-up.
This made the win all the more pleasing for Deschamps.
“It’s a young team that doesn’t have a lot of experience,” he said. “But there was seriousness and enthusiasm (for this match). It’s better to win these kinds of games.”
Italy lead the group with 10 points from four games, ahead of 2021 Nations League winners France on nine, while Belgium have four. Israel are on zero points after a 4-1 defeat by the Azzurri. The top two qualify for the quarter-finals in March 2025. REUTERS, AFP
