Impressive Belgium beat France
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Article summary
France 3-4 Belgium
Marouane Fellaini struck twice as the visitors became the first team to slot four goals past the UEFA EURO 2016 hosts at the Stade de France.
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• Marouane Fellaini scores two first-half goals as Belgium make strong start
• Radja Nainggolan increases the Red Devils' lead on 50 minutes
• Mathieu Valbuena and Eden Hazard trade penalties shortly afterwards
• Substitutes Nabil Fekir and Dimitri Payet grab late consolations for hosts
• Belgium travel to face Wales in European Qualifying on Friday
Belgium put in a clinical performance to become the first team to slot four goals past France at their Stade de France home, resisting a comeback after Didier Deschamps's men rallied late on.
A year and three days ahead of their opening game at UEFA EURO 2016, Les Bleus found themselves three goals down after 50 minutes, with Marouane Fellaini scoring twice and Radja Nainggolan adding the third. Mathieu Valbuena and Eden Hazard then exchanged penalties, before substitutes Nabil Fekir and Dimitri Payet reduced the deficit late on.
Meeting for the 73rd time, the neighbouring nations produced an entertaining spectacle to make up for goalless draws in their last two meetings in 2011 and 2013. Fellaini ensured there would be goals this time around as he pounced on a mix-up at the back on 17 minutes, and the Manchester United FC midfielder added his second shortly before the break, heading in a cross from Toby Alderweireld.
With Arsenal FC forward Olivier Giroud starting up front in place of the injured Karim Benzema, France struggled to threaten Thibaut Courtois, and Deschamps sent on Ligue 1 top scorer Alexandre Lacazette after the restart. Belgium were not done yet, however, and Nainggolan scored with a low strike, before the two sides traded spot kicks in the space in the two minutes.
Fekir responded with his first goal for France shortly after coming on, yet with 89 minutes on the clock there was precious little time left for the hosts. Nevertheless, Payet was still able to produce a neat finish for France's third strike – but Belgium held on for a notable victory ahead of their UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group B trip to Wales on Friday.
