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Belgium 1-2 France: Randal Kolo Muani hits double and seals success
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Belgium 1-2 France: Randal Kolo Muani hits double and seals success

Randal Kolo Muani scored twice as France defeated Belgium in an incident-filled UEFA Nations League match in Brussels.

Youri Tielemans skied a penalty for the hosts after William Saliba brought down Lois Openda, a decision by the video assistant referee (VAR).

France then won their own penalty when Wout Faes handled the ball on the ground. Kolo Muani sent goalkeeper Koen Casteels the wrong way from the spot for the 35th-minute opener.

Openda equalized for Belgium in the first half with a header from Timothy Castagne’s left cross. The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but was awarded by VAR.

France thought they were ahead again due to Manu Kone’s goal, but it was disallowed due to a handball in the run-up by Kolo Muani.

But Paris St-Germain striker Kolo Muani scored what proved to be the winner in the 62nd minute when he headed in Lucas Digne’s cross.

However, Les Bleus played the final 14 minutes with 10 men when captain Aurelien Tchouameni was shown a second yellow card for cutting off Tielemans just outside the penalty area.

Belgium pushed for an equalizer, but couldn’t find one.

Italy defeated Israel 4-1 in the group’s other match in Udine, the first match Israel played outside Hungary this year.

The Italians top Group A2 with 10 points, while France are one point behind. Third-placed Belgium, with four points, is likely to face a relegation-promotion play-off.