Kolo Muani’s double gives Les Bleus win

Randal Kolo Muani scored twice as France took a giant step towards the Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over hosts Belgium in Brussels.

Belgium captain Youri Tielemans blazed a penalty over the top before Paris St-Germain forward Kolo Muani scored from the spot after a Wout Faes handball.

Lois Openda equalised in first-half stoppage time afor Belgium but Kolo Muani – leading the line in place of the absent Kylian Mbappe – headed in a second just past the hour mark.

France were able to hold on for the victory despite losing captain for the night Aurelien Tchouameni to a second yellow card with 14 minutes remaining.

Belgium have now not beaten France for 43 years in a competitive game.

🇫🇷 @dembouz 🤝 Randal #BELFRA (1-2) pic.twitter.com/0v1XnkAxCf

— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) October 14, 2024

Italy head the group with 10 points from their four games, followed by France on nine. Belgium have four points and Israel zero.

Belgium have games against Italy and Israel to come, while France’s final game is at away to Italy in what could be a cracker.

The top two teams qualify for the quarter-finals that will be played in March next year.