From thrilling comebacks to tense standstills, relive the recent battles between two football giants
In the world of international football, few rivalries are as intense and captivating as that between France and Belgium. These two football powerhouses have produced some memorable encounters in recent years, each clash adding a new chapter to their storied rivalry. As the Euro 2024 Round of 16 approaches, let's take a stroll down memory lane and revisit their last four epic clashes.
Date: 7 October, 2021
Result: Belgium 2; France 3
The UEFA Nations League semifinal in 2021 was nothing short of a football spectacle. Belgium, brimming with confidence, surged ahead with Yannick Carrasco's clever finish and Romelu Lukaku's thunderous strike. By halftime, Belgium was cruising with a 2-0 lead. But football is a game of two halves, and France was far from finished.
Mbappe equalised for France
Karim Benzema sparked the French revival with a stunning goal, twisting and turning to find the net. Kylian Mbappe, who had been under a goal drought, equalised with a calm penalty after VAR ruled a foul on Antoine Griezmann. As the clock ticked down, Lukaku thought he'd sealed the deal for Belgium, but VAR's intervention ruled it out for offside. Then, in the dying moments, Theo Hernandez smashed home the winner, completing a remarkable turnaround.
France's coach, Didier Deschamps, praised his team's resilience, stating, "The result shows the character of the team." For Belgium, it was another bitter pill to swallow as their "golden generation" once again fell short.
Date: 10 July, 2018
Result: France 1; Belgium 0
The 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-final was a cagey affair, a tactical chess game played out on the grandest stage. Both teams had their chances, but it was Samuel Umtiti's towering header from an Antoine Griezmann corner that broke the deadlock early in the second half.
Belgium, led by the mercurial Eden Hazard and the industrious Kevin De Bruyne, pushed hard for an equaliser. Hugo Lloris was in inspired form, pulling off crucial saves to keep France's lead intact. Kylian Mbappe dazzled with his pace, causing constant headaches for the Belgian defence, but it was Umtiti's solitary goal that sent France into the World Cup final.
Date: 7 June, 2015
Result: France 3; Belgium 4
In a pulsating friendly at the Stade de France, Belgium showcased their attacking prowess, racing to a 4-1 lead within an hour. Marouane Fellaini was the star, scoring twice before halftime. Radja Nainggolan and Eden Hazard added to France's misery, with Hazard converting a penalty.
The star performer of Belgium // Picture Courtesy -- News18
France tried to mount a comeback, with late goals from Nabil Fekir and Dimitri Payet adding respectability to the scoreline. But it was too little, too late. Belgium's victory was a statement of intent, highlighting their rise in the world football rankings.
Date: 14 August, 2013
Result: Belgium 0; France 0
Belgium and France battled to a goalless draw in Brussels during a friendly that was devoid of goals but not energy. Both teams created chances but were unable to convert. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku missed golden opportunities for Belgium, while Thibaut Courtois denied Karim Benzema's best effort for France.
Though the match ended in a draw, it was a clear indication of the quality and competitiveness between these two sides. Each team showed glimpses of brilliance, setting the stage for future encounters filled with high stakes and higher drama.
