Lucas Da Cunha stepped into the France side under the lights and left with a debut win, as Les Bleus edged Belgium 1-0 in their second Nations League match. The former Como midfielder described the night as a major personal milestone after France’s narrow but deserved success.
Key takeaways
- France beat Belgium 1-0 in the second round of Nations League fixtures.
- Da Cunha made his first appearance for the senior France team.
- Michael’s decisive goal brought relief to the French squad.
- The midfielder said the coach encouraged him to play with the same freedom he shows for his club.
- Da Cunha reflected on his rise from Serie B with Como to an international debut.
A first cap and a hard-earned victory
France had chances to manage and also conceded opportunities against Belgium, but Da Cunha felt the overall performance justified the result. The breakthrough from Michael settled a tight contest and allowed the home side to celebrate a valuable Nations League victory.
“We played well,” Da Cunha said after the final whistle. “We did allow them some chances, but with the match we produced, I think we deserved to win. Michael’s goal was a relief for everyone and we are very happy to have won.”
The occasion carried extra weight for Da Cunha, handed his first senior cap by the France coach. He said the message before his introduction was simple: trust his usual game, express himself and contribute to the collective effort.
“The coach gave me confidence,” he said. “He told me to do what I do at club level, to play freely and help the team. That is what I tried to do. I had good feelings and felt comfortable on the pitch. I am very pleased with my first match here.”
From Como’s second-tier days to France
Da Cunha’s path to the national team has not been a straight line. Only a few years ago, he was playing in Serie B with Como, before the Italian club won promotion to Serie A in 2024. Now he has made his France debut in a competitive international match.
For the midfielder, the contrast underlined the value of persistence. “A first international cap means a lot,” he said. “It brings huge emotion and great joy. A few years ago I was in the second division and today I am with France. It shows that if you work and do not give up, things can happen.”
His family were not in attendance for the Belgium match, but Da Cunha said he hoped they would be present on Friday to share the next chapter of an already memorable international week.
