France's Theo Hernandez scored a last-minute winner as they advanced to the final of the Nations League.
Hernandez scored his side's third after Belgium had taken a 2-0 lead.
Romelu Lukaku scored a spectacular goal late in the first half that seemingly gave Belgium control of the game. Lukaku smartly let the ball go through his legs to beat Lucas Hernandez in the box after Kevin De Bruyne played a perfectly weighted pass.
The Chelsea striker smashed a right-footed shot high to the near post, beating Tottenham's Hugo Lloris.
LUKAKU! 🇧🇪
He is just world class!
His 68th goal in 101 international apps. #BELFRA | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/w6bpEEEBY3
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 7, 2021
Yannick Carrasco had opened the scoring with his right foot prior to that. Lloris was beaten too easy at his near post again for that goal as he was left unsighted and caught off guard.
It was Karim Benzema who got France back into the game.
Benzema initiated the attack by accelerating into the box before losing the ball. It eventually found its way back to him and he clinically found the far corner. France were still 2-1 at that point and the hour-mark had passed.
BENZEMA! 🇫🇷
France right back in this!#BELFRA | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/5ztpZToRMg
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 7, 2021
Kylian Mbappe, fresh off the suggestion that he could stay at PSG past this season, levelled with a penalty but it was 24-year-old AC Milan left back Theo Hernandez who stole the show.
THEO HERNANDEZ! 🇫🇷🤯
What a time to score your first international goal!
A 90th minute winner in a semi-final!#BELFRA | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/kxV13e0qiI
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 7, 2021
Hernandez latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the box before rifling the ball past Thibault Courtois into the far corner. It was the first goal of his international career in only his second game. The relative unknown stole the spotlight on a field full of superstars.
One of those superstars, Lukaku, thought he had won the game moments before but his winning goal was ruled out for offside.
France will face Spain in on Sunday at the San Siro in Italy. The game will kick off at 7:45 in the evening.
Liam Scales called up to the Republic of Ireland squad.
Ireland fixtures against Azerbaijan and Qatar: Team news, kick-off time.
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