Late France blitz wrecks Van Bommel’s Belgium upset bid
Belgium led through Dodi Lukebakio but conceded four times late on as France claimed a dramatic 4-1 victory in Paris.
Mark van Bommel’s Belgium suffered a remarkable late collapse as France turned a deficit into a 4-1 victory at the Stade de France. Belgium had been closing in on revenge for their defeat the previous week, only for the hosts to score four times during the closing stages.
Belgium were without the suspended Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans, while France also fielded a changed side featuring goalkeeper Guillaume Restes and striker Estéban Lepaul. Van Bommel’s team competed well and posed a particular threat on the counterattack before taking the lead shortly after the half-hour mark.
Roméo Lavia supplied the opening with a precise pass into Dodi Lukebakio’s path. The forward stayed composed against Restes and drove his finish high into the net. France increased the pressure after the interval, but Belgium debutant Maarten Vandevoordt denied the hosts as Manu Koné, Lepaul and Rayan Cherki all threatened.
Belgium’s resistance eventually broke when Désiré Doué equalised with a long-range strike. Cherki completed the turnaround minutes later before Michael Olise scored twice in the final moments, with Doué involved in both goals. The sudden four-goal burst transformed what had looked like a major result for Van Bommel into a heavy defeat.
Reported first by
- Mark van Bommel lijkt lang op weg naar stunt met België, maar wordt dan vernederd door Frankrijk | Voetbalzone— Voetbalzone
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