The Nations League delivered, again
Theo Hernandez scored a last minute winner against Belgium to send France to the Nations League final after Romelu Lukaku had a late goal ruled out for offside.
It was a game full of star-studded talent, with both sides playing their part in a true spectacle that saw the current World champions come from two goals down to secure victory over Roberto MartÃnez’s men.
Despite blowing their two goal cushion, Belgium still thought that they had won it three minutes from time when Lukaku guided a volley into the far corner after an inviting cross from Yannick Carrasco.
However, VAR ruled the goal out for offside, with replays showing that the Chelsea man was slightly in front of Lucas Hernandez.
The drama was far from over and France scored a remarkable winner in the 90th minute when Benjamin Pavard’s cross was deflected out to Theo Hernandez who took a touch before smashing his strike past Thibaut Courtois and in turn, sending France into the final.
🗣 "GAME ON!"
Kylian Mbappe sets up Karim Benzema, who slots home to grab a goal back for France in their #NationsLeague semi-final vs Belgium 🇫🇷
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📱 Follow #BELFRA here 👉 https://t.co/xBRWT1ca7U pic.twitter.com/HwTGnXQiUx— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 7, 2021
Belgium took the lead in the 37th minute when Carrasco beat Spurs ‘keeper Hugo Lloris at his near post with a low shot after cutting back on his right foot following some tidy work out wide.
The Red Devils were soon 2-0 up when Kevin De Bruyne’s delightful pass found the feet of Lukaku, who spun away from Hernandez and smashed his effort past Lloris – who arguably should’ve done better – from a tight angle.
France started the second-half on top and got their reward in the 62nd minute when some tricky footwork from Kylian Mbappe allowed him to find Karim Benzema inside the penalty area, with the Real Madrid striker making no mistake with a clever finish into the bottom corner.
After Antoine Griezmann was fouled by Youri Tielemans in the box, Didier Deschamps’s side were awarded a penalty after VAR told referee Daniel Siebert to go over to the pitchside monitor – with the official quickly pointing to the spot.
Mbappe took the spot-kick and blasted his penalty into the top corner, leaving Courtois no chance.
Belgium thought they had won it late in the game when Lukaku guided his effort into the corner of the net after a neat cross from Carrasco, however, VAR chalked the goal off for offside.
The game did have its deserved sensational ending when Theo Hernandez picked up the ball from a deflected cross and drilled a strike back across goal and past Courtois.
France will now take on Spain in the Nations League final at the San Siro on Sunday evening.
