In what was a very interesting match, Belgium showed superiority and took a commanding lead in the match through Fellaini and Hazard, France took advantage of some lack of concentration on the part of the Belgians but were unable to salvage a draw as the 1998 world cup winners went down to by 4 goals to 3.
Belgium started with more organization and precision and were rewarded in the 17th minute when Nainggolan’s shot was deflected onto the path of Fellaini. The big Manchester United man made no mistake from point blank range to give Belgium the lead. Three minutes from half time, Fellaini made it two for himself and Belgium as he rose well at the back post to power in Alderwied’s cross. Belgium started the second half still on the front foot but France started to put their act together but 5 minutes after the restart, Naiggolan fired Belgium into a 3-0 lead with a low shot from just outside the penalty area. Valbuena pulled one back for France in the 53rdminute from the penalty spot after Lombarts brought Giroud down in the box. One minute later, it was 4-1 as it was Hazard’s turn to score a penalty after Koscielny brought Witsel down in the box. Belgium slowed the pace of the game down and in the 89th minute Fekir fired in a wonderful volley to make it 4-2, in injury time, Payet curled a wonderful shot into the net to make it 4-3 but it was too little too late for France.
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