The Stade de France fell quiet on Belgium’s first clear opening, as Dodi Lukebakio punished France with a composed first-half finish in the Nations League.
The move
Lukebakio gave Belgium the lead in the 35th minute of Monday night’s fourth Nations League matchday, finishing a rapid attack with his left foot after a precise through ball from Roméo Lavia.
The Benfica winger had drifted unnoticed through the middle near the centre circle. Jules Koundé had pushed forward, while Maxence Lacroix was occupied with Romelu Lukaku. Lukebakio found space between Andy Diouf, who had been tracking the run, and Leny Yoro.
Lavia’s pass sent him clear. With no immediate pressure as he drove towards goal, Lukebakio opened his body and placed a left-footed shot inside Guillaume Restes’ near post. The young France goalkeeper had retreated as the Belgian attacker closed in.
It was Belgium’s first major chance of the evening and it produced the opening goal, sending the Red Devils into half-time 1-0 ahead.
The French season around it
For France, the goal exposed a defensive gap at a costly moment. Koundé’s advanced position left the back line stretched, while Yoro and Diouf could not close the central lane in time once Lukebakio escaped.
- Dodi Lukebakio: Belgium’s Benfica winger, scorer in the 35th minute.
- Roméo Lavia: Provider of the through ball that created the goal.
- Guillaume Restes: France’s young goalkeeper, beaten at his near post.
- Leny Yoro: Part of the French defensive line bypassed by Lukebakio’s run.
- Andy Diouf: Covering Lukebakio before the Belgian found room between the lines.
