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Victor Petkov
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France bounce back with 2-0 win vs Belgium after Italy defeat
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Kolo Muani and Dembele inspire Les Bleus to take first points in Nations League this season

France rebounded from their weekend defeat to Italy with a 2-0 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, thanks to goals from Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembélé.

In a match held in Lyon, coach Didier Deschamps made eight changes to the French lineup, with captain Kylian Mbappé among those absent. The shift in tactics paid off as France secured a crucial win following a disappointing 3-1 loss to Italy on Friday, where they had initially taken the lead just 13 seconds into the game.

Belgium, fresh from a 3-1 win over Israel, struggled to find their rhythm against a rejuvenated French side, conceded the first goal just before the half-hour mark when Kolo Muani capitalized on a rebound from a mishit shot by Dembélé, which Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels had initially saved.

Dembélé doubled the advantage in the 57th minute with a superb solo effort, cutting inside from the right wing and firing a powerful shot into the net.

Mbappé, Antoine Griezmann, and Michael Olise were among the French substitutes who contributed to seeing out the victory, offering a confidence boost after the defeat to Italy.

Italy currently lead Group A2 with a perfect six points from two matches, following their 2-1 win over Israel on Monday. France and Belgium both have three points, while Israel sits at the bottom of the group with no points. The next round of matches in October will see Italy face Belgium in Rome and Israel meet France in Budapest.