Evening Standard
·9 September 2024
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·9 September 2024
Two European giants face off
Didier Deschamps will be demanding - and very much needing - an improved performance from Les Bleus as they look to get up and running in the Nations League. Belgium pose another daunting test after a home defeat to Italy has set further alarm bells ringing.
France took the lead against the Azzurri inside 13 seconds at the weekend, but ended up going down 3-1 to lose at home to Italy for the first time in 70 years. The result followed a disappointing Euro 2024 and leaves the pressure firmly on the highly decorated head of Deschamps.
Belgium, meanwhile, beat Israel with ease last time out as captain Kevin De Bruyne scored twice. The Red Devils will sense an opportunity for revenge after a narrow last-16 defeat at Euro 2024. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog.
Live updates
31 minutes ago
95min: That’s your lot!
35 minutes ago
94min: Final change for France as Fofana comes on for Kante for the final seconds.
37 minutes ago
90min: Four minutes added on.
40 minutes ago
87min: Another chance for Mbappe, another decent save from Casteels.
44 minutes ago
83min: Double Belgium change as Doku and Castagne are replaced by Duranville and Meunier.
45 minutes ago
80min: Griezmann is on for Guendouzi.
50 minutes ago
78min: It does seem like a matter of time before Mbappe scores. Another decent link up with Dembele sends him into the area and flashes a shot wide of the far post.
52 minutes ago
76min: A hopeful effort from De Bruyne on the edge of the area, leaning back on a loose ball, which soars over.
54 minutes ago
74min: Mbappe ducks into the area after being slipped in by Dembele, and really should score but Casteels does just enough by making himself big.
57 minutes ago
71min: Maigan forced into a save for the first time in quite a while as De Ketelaere tries his luck on a tight angle.
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