France’s Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal against France during the UEFA Nations League semi-final in Turin, Italy on Thursday night.
Kylian Mbappe redeemed himself with a goal and an assist as France came down two goals and defeated Belgium 3-2 to reach the final of the UEFA Nations League.
Theo Hernandez scored a last-minute winner to complete the comeback and sent world champions France into the final against Spain on Sunday. This was his second appearance for his country and came the day after his 24th birthday.
Two quick goals at the end of the first half gave Belgium a comfortable lead, but Mbappe, who became the youngest player to reach 50 caps for Les Blaes, set a goal for Karim Benzema in the 62nd minute and The penalty was converted seven minutes later.
Coach Didier Deschamps said, “To be able to do what we did, and you must not forget the team that we did, the top-ranked team in the world at the moment, it is fantastic what the French team is able to do.” Succeeded.” said.
“I don’t think there were many people who thought we could do it in halftime. All credit goes to the players. The pride and character they showed added to the quality, made sure we did it.”
22-year-old Mbappe was made somewhat of a scapegoat for France’s failure at the European Championship after missing a decisive penalty in the shootout in France’s defeat to Switzerland in the Round of 16.
Deschamps said, “I never doubted Kylian. I always showed her that I was with her, behind her.” “I know very well that the French team is strong with him.”
For Belgium it was another disappointing failure for a team that has entered the last few major tournaments as one of the big favorites but has not reached a major final since Euro 1980.
The official Twitter account of the Belgium national team also seemed confident of victory at halftime, tweeting, “Okay, that’s a comfortable lead!” – After the last whistle before gently mocking himself.
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said, “You need to look at the first half, what we did, it was full of calm mind, a real understanding of what was needed, creating chances, our performance was at the level we were in. Were hoping.” “The second half we became emotional, we were looking to get to the final as soon as possible instead of playing our game.”
Theo Hernández and his brother Lucas Hernández were named in the starting lineup for France in midfield and defence. It was the first time the two brothers played together for Les Blaes since Hervé and Patrick Revelli in 1974.
Spain beat Italy in the second semi-final on Wednesday.
Belgium were looking to avenge their semi-final loss to France at the 2018 World Cup and it started almost perfect as Jules Condé’s disappointing clearance from Romelu Lukaku’s cross fell directly on Kevin de Bruyne, a great position in the middle. were in penalty area. But his shot was swung around the post by French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
Belgium took control shortly before halftime. Yannick Carrasco broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when he cut inside from the left, turned a defender and drilled into the bottom corner of the pass.
De Bruyne provided an assist for that goal, finding Carrasco’s run, and he did the same four minutes later, when he fired a through-ball to Lukaku, before running away from Lucas Hernández and firing. Gathered with your back before doing. Mesh roof.
France increased the pressure early in the second half and almost pulled back a goal in the 58th minute when Mbappé cut from the right and swung the ball to Antoine Griezmann, who widened the post.
France narrowed the deficit four minutes later as Mbappe again danced in front of the defenders before finding Benzema, who managed to squeeze in a penetrating shot despite being surrounded by red shirts.
And Deschamps’ side was level shortly after when Mbappe fired a penalty kick to the top right corner after Yori Tielemans’ decision – with the help of a video review – to foul Griezmann.
Belgium almost immediately restored their advantage but Lloris managed to advance De Bruyne’s effort over the bar.
Lukaku thought he had made a late winner but was dismissed for offside. Instead it was France who snatched the win as Theo Hernandez swung to the far side of the net after a fine team move. Paul Pogba first sends a free kick from the crossbar for Les Blaes.
Those three events came in quick succession in a frenzied finale.
“That’s football we love,” Deschamps said. “If you’re on the good side of madness, we were on the bad side this summer.”
.