Five minutes after stepping onto the Stade de France pitch, Désiré Doué supplied the spark France had been missing. The 21-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger struck in the 77th minute to earn Les Bleus a 1-1 Nations League draw against Belgium on Monday night.
Doué changes the rhythm
France had struggled to turn their possession into clear danger in the final third after falling behind before half-time. Dodi Lukebakio had put Belgium ahead, leaving the home side searching for a response in front of their own supporters.
That response arrived through Doué, who had replaced Bradley Barcola in the 72nd minute. Lucas Da Cunha found him just outside the Belgian penalty area, with the PSG player facing away from goal.
- Doué received the ball with his back to the target.
- He turned sharply before the Belgian defence could close him down.
- The winger drove a low left-footed effort across goal.
- Maarten Vandevoordt was beaten as the shot travelled into the far corner.
A timely equaliser for France
The goal levelled the match at 1-1 and ended a difficult spell for a France side that had lacked precision around the box. Doué’s intervention was particularly notable after an impressive start to the international gathering.
For Belgium, Lukebakio’s first-half finish had looked set to decide the contest. Instead, the late contribution from France’s young wide player ensured the Nations League meeting finished without a winner.
